A Teesside mother-of-two who suffered from severe diabetes took her own life after the illness became too much for her to bear, an inquest heard.

Joanne Sexton, 38, of Clydach Grove, Ingleby Barwick, died in North Tees University Hospital on April 7 after taking an overdose of Codeine and Temazepam tablets.

Insulin dependent, she had been battling the disease since being diagnosed when she was 14. In recent years her health deteriorated resulting in renal failure, eye problems and ulcerations.

Mrs Sexton was admitted to North Tees University Hospital on April 2 to have her blood levels checked. While she was on the ward she took an overdose of prescribed medicine she had brought with her.

Pathologist Nigel Cooper told the hearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court that Mrs Sexton died as a result of brain damage caused by a cardiac arrest due to the Codeine overdose.

Recording a verdict that Mrs Sexton took her own life, Deputy Teesside Coroner Gordon Hetherington said: "She was clearly feeling unwell and had been told she could only get worse. Eventually she could need dialysis or a transplant.

"Things must have looked pretty bleak when she was admitted to hospital. I am satisfied she didn't want to continue in that way."