Frances Napper from Taunton died after taking prescription drugs but had 'no intention of harming herself'

Frances Napper, 37, of Lambrook Road in Taunton, died at her home on July 18 after she was found 'hunched over' in her bedroom by her landlord.

The inquest heard Ms Napper was struggling to breathe and her landlord, Barbara Jenkins, called an ambulance for help.

Senior coroner Tony Williams read a statement from South West Ambulance Service Trust which confirmed paramedics found Ms Napper 'curled up in a ball' and struggling to breathe.

Shortly after they arrived, Ms Napper became unresponsive and despite paramedics attempts to revive her she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The coroner then read a statement from Pc Oliver Bolx who was called to attend the property at 9.20pm following a call from the ambulance service.

Police carried out a search of the property to see if anything suspicious had happened but there was no evidence of foul play and no traces of illegal drugs.

A toxicology report revealed no alcohol was found in Ms Napper's system at the time of her death however varying levels of Morphine, Codeine, Metazapine and Sertraline were found but they were within therapeutic levels.

The coroner then read a statement from Ms Napper's GP, Dr Lisa Horman, who said Ms Napper was prescribed the medication for depression and pain.

She said Ms Napper had a 'long history' of mental health problems and had been diagnosed with an unusually unstable personality and anxiety in 2016.

"She was on an extensive list of prescribed drugs for anxiety, depression and chronic pain," Dr Horman said.

"I last saw her in January or February this year, when she said she was struggling with the death of a former partner and understandably this was distressing for her.

"She admitted to being tempted to turning to drug use."

The inquest heard Ms Napper had admitted herself into hospital on a number of occasions with pain this year and had not engaged with mental health services.

Returning a conclusion of an accidental death Mr Williams said: "The evidence is that a number of prescription drugs were taken at above the prescribed levels have combined to toxicity that resulted in death.

"There is no evidence of any intent on Frances Napper's part in respect of the circumstances.

"She self-administered a number of her prescribed medications and those have combined to a fatal toxic effect but with no intention of harming herself."

If you have been affected by this article, you can call Taunton Samaritans on 01823-288998, the national freephone 116123, e-mail jo@samaritans.org or visit 16 Wood Street, Taunton, 9am to 9pm.

Mind in Taunton and West Somerset’s helpline can be reached from Tuesday to Sunday, 8pm-11pm on 01823-276 892.

Cruse Bereavement Care can be reached on 0808-8081677.