A Leeds inquest concluded that although the man had a history of depression and apparent attempted suicides, he had no intention of taking his life when he lay down on the track at Cottingley station on November 17 last year.

The inquest into the death of Simon Kirton, 34, of Lonsdale Terrace in Liversedge, near Dewsbury, heard he had been to see Leeds United with his friend Albert Noel Binney.

The two had been to a social club for a drink before the match, drank again before the game in the bar at the Elland Road ground where they had two pints of beer and then they had two more each at half-time. After the match they went to the Drysalters pub, about a mile from the ground and had another four pints.

Mr Binney confirmed that they then walked to Cottingley station but got lost on the way and missed a train they had hoped to catch.

He rang his wife to check the time. It was 8.06pm. Mr Binney said he turned round and saw his friend lying down with his head on the track.

He said he told him to "get himself off but he just laughed."

He said: "He was just acting the goat."

Mr Binney said he shouted that a train was coming. It was a Scarborough to Liverpool express, not due to stop at Cottingley.

Mr Binney said: "Simon jumped up and grabbed hold of the platform."

He said he could see his arms and half of his chest on the platform. The train then hit him.

The train driver was interviewed by British Transport Police who investigated the tragedy.

Coroner Mr David Hinchliff said the driver saw something on the track and a man had started to stand up. The driver braked and blew his horn. The train was travelling at 70 to 75 mph.

Mr Kirton died of multiple injuries. At the time of his death he had 260mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system – more than three times the drink-drive limit.

The court heard of instances where Mr Kirton had three times taken overdoses of medication – but he had always told someone and sought help.

Returning a verdict of misadventure, Mr Hinchliff said: "It was an intentional act, but he certainly did not intend this to happen."