A MOTHER-of-one died at her home in Southampton after her body struggled to break down prescription drugs, an inquest heard.

Mary Bourner was found by a support worker on January 5 at her home in Archers Road.

The Winchester inquest heard that the 59-year-old suffered from Type 2 diabetes, depression and learning difficulties.

She had been prescribed medication which was locked in a cupboard and given to her twice daily, including antidepressant clomipramine.

Dr Vipul Foria, consultant histopathologist of Southampton University Hospitals, said a post- mortem examination revealed a benign brain tumour measuring 2.5cm. He said that it did not impact on her body at the time of death, but there was no way to be sure.

The inquest also heard from Dr Carol Smart, of Hill Lane Surgery, who said that Ms Bourner’s liver had reduced function.

Peter Streete, toxicology consultant of Hampshire Scientific Service, said that this could have made her body less effective at breaking down the clomipramine, of which high levels were found in her blood.

Senior coroner Grahame Short ruled a verdict of accidental death.