A coroner has recorded an open verdict on the death of a priest found stabbed in the neck behind a theatre.

Father Augustine Chigodora, 32, was found dead outside Carshalton’s Charles Cryer theatre, in December, and a post mortem examination revealed he died from a stab wound to the neck which “was consistent with being self-inflicted”.

During the inquest, attended by Fr Chigodora’s family, friends and church members, Coroner Dr Roy Palmer read out from police files and interviewed two of Fr Chigodora’s cousins and expert witnesses.

Coroner Dr Palmer said he had to record an open verdict because Fr Chigodora had never attempted or mentioned suicide before.

The incident was treated as “non-suspicious” by police from the start.

The Zimbabwean priest, from Harare, lived and worked at the Holy Cross Church, in Carshalton, and was described by the parish’s priest Father Paul Sanders, as a “quiet, very hard-working person.”

Fr Sanders said: “The inquest was perhaps the formal act of closure on his death.

"He was a very friendly man and a lot of people here in this parish were very sad and missed him very much.”

Last year, a special ceremony was held for Fr Chigadora over Christmas, with the most reverend Robert Ndlovu, Archbishop of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, flying over especially to give an impassioned speech about the priest.

He said: “I was his rector and I ordained him three years ago. I could see his potential so I approached him to ask if he would go to Heythrop College so he could study and eventually train other priests.

“I would like to think all the people who have shown up to this ceremony is a manifestation of his good work.

“I would like to thank the police as they went out of their way to contact us and Fr Augustine’s brother.”

Members of the congregation called the priest a “good man" who “spoke the truth and gave the best guidance".

• Did you know Father Augustine Chigodora? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a tribute below.