A FATHER of two died from an overdose of painkillers after a car accident, an inquest was told yesterday.
Peter Sams, 43, had been drinking heavily before he swallowed codeine phosphate tablets at his home in Beckett Close, Bishop Auckland.
Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna recorded an open verdict.
Pathologist Dr Clive Bloxham said the overdose was the sole cause of death.
Marie Scott, who lived with Mr Sams, said: "He suffered from bouts of depression but he never suggested he would harm himself."
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