AN inquest into the death of a mental health patient whose body was found in a field was completed yesterday.

Julie Sams, 54, had been missing for three weeks from the Goodall Centre, Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, when her body was found by police.

Police officers had been searching with dogs for the culprits of a robbery when they discovered Mrs Sams' body behind Greenfield Industrial Estate, St Helen Auckland, on June 18, last year, the hearing at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court was told.

Darlington and South Durham coroner Colin Penna confirmed that the retired home help, who was estranged from her husband Kenneth Sams, had been identified by her fingerprints.

Home Office pathologist Dr James Peter Sunter, said: "A cause of death was not ascertainable, but there was no sign of natural disease or signs of violence leading to the death."

Detective Chief Inspector Bruce Turnbull, who led inquiries into the death, said: "After extensive investigations, we found no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mrs Sams' death."

Mr Penna said: "An experienced pathologist carried out extensive tests but was not able to say why Mrs Sams actually died, and the police are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances.

"I fully accept those opinions and feel she probably died of natural causes whilst walking in the field, as she often did and returned safely.

"I can say quite categorically that the cause of death was natural, rather than undesirable or suspicious circumstances."

The coroner recorded an open verdict.