A CORONER investigating the death of a city Royal Marine who took his own life after returning from Afghanistan said the force did "all they could" to support their troops.

Dylan Kemp, a 28-year-old member of Bickleigh's 42 Commando, was found dead in his flat in Croydon, south London, in September 2009, five months after the end of his tour.

Coroner Roy Palmer yesterday recorded a verdict of suicide at the inquest at Croydon Coroner's Court.

He said: "I'm also satisfied that the Royal Marines did all they could do to support their troops."

Mne Kemp's girlfriend, Philippa Roscoe, told the inquest he had shown her photographs of human remains and said he had bagged up body parts during his service.

But Dr Palmer concluded that Mne Kemp did not actually see or experience the incidents himself.

"His family and Ms Roscoe were understandably concerned about the images and the impact they would have had on Dylan Kemp," he said.

He went on: "I accept the evidence of the Royal Marines that he did not witness the scenes with his own eyes."

Kate Bex, representing Ms Roscoe, read out a statement on behalf of her client outside court, which said Marine Kemp had written to her about getting married.

She said: "Dylan and I were very much in love and planned a long and happy future together."

And added: "However, Dylan chose to set out in a note how he felt and therefore I very much hope that his words will not be ignored."

She said Marine Kemp's suicide note read: "I just want to say I love all of my family dearly and Philippa, again, I'm sorry and I truly do love you. Please do as much fundraising for marines that have been to Afghan and end up as messed up as I have.

"I have too much anger inside me and only want to be there. RM (Royal Marine) staff are excellent so don't let this be a pitfall for them but I slipped through the net and I'm sure many will follow."

Following the verdict, solicitors for Mne Kemp's mother, Mary Kemp, said she was taking legal advice to highlight "the failings of the system and how her son was let down".

A spokesman for law firm Pannone said Mrs Kemp has concerns that armed forces' personnel do not have enough debriefing and support after time spent in demanding and stressful combat zones.

She is also critical of the support and information provided for the mothers, wives and families of armed forces personnel, the spokesman added.

Mne Kemp deployed to Afghanistan in September 2008 until April 2009, with a two-week break in the UK over Christmas. He was found dead at his home in Croydon. He had a ligature bruise on his neck which pathologist Peter Walker told the inquest was "consistent with death by hanging".

Mne Kemp took his own life two days after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. Since returning home he had also been arrested over a suspected road-rage attack.

Dr Palmer stated in his verdict that Mne Kemp would have had a "sense of personal regret and probably shame about the arrests".

The coroner added: "He may well have believed that the two matters for which he was arrested may have been career-limiting."

The inquest heard on Monday that Marine Kemp had not had a post-operational stress management interview before his death, and at that time nine out of 10 marines missed the 12-week guideline for this to take place.