A VERDICT of death due to natural causes has been recorded on a millionairess whose body was exhumed after her family raised concerns that she may have died from a drug overdose.

Coroner John Matthews recorded his verdict at an Isle of Wight inquest after hearing forensic evidence about drug traces found in the body of Dutch-born Marguerite Sassen-Povel, who died aged 92, on June 16, 2000.

He said: "There's absolutely no evidence that this lady died from an overdose of any drugs. All the evidence points to her dying of natural causes."

The inquest at Newport was told that police had applied to the coroner for an exhumation order in January after it was alleged that her death may have been hastened by being given the drug co-proxamol in unnecessary quantities.

After the hearing, Mrs Sassen-Povel's son, Robert Beath, 69, from Shanklin, said he wasn't surprised at the verdict the coroner had reached, but indicated he may be discussing with his solicitor if any further action could be taken.

Det Chief Insp David Williams, who led the inquiry, told the inquest: "There are no grounds to believe a criminal offence has taken place as regards Mrs Sassen-Povel's death.

"I don't anticipate there being any further criminal investigation."

The inquest heard that the police investigation focused on the suggestion that Mrs Sassen-Povel may have been administered an overdose of the drug co-proxamol or a similar substance.

But detailed examinations of her remains, exhumed from Northwood Cemetery, showed no evidence of the drug which is similar to paracetamol and which can cause death in small overdoses of as few as 15 pills.

Ian Humphreys, of the Forensic Science Service in London, said there were only traces of drugs known to be prescribed to Mrs Sassen-Povel and dihydrocodeine, which she had not been prescribed, but which could provide pain relief.

He said: "There is no evidence she had taken or been given any co-proxamol prior to her death."

He said it would probably have been traceable had she taken it close to when she died. He was supported by Home Office pathologist Dr Allen Anscombe.

The coroner heard that at least four medical practitioners had seen Mrs Sassen-Povel in the days prior to her death, and the general feeling was that her health had been deteriorating and she may have suffered an acute stroke.

She died at a nursing home at Freshwater only 24 hours or so after being admitted on June 15, 2000, from the address where she was living at Rookley.

Her death was certified as due to old age and a stroke, and the matter was not referred to the coroner, as it was believed to be a natural causes death.

Mr Matthews said this was correct procedure.

But Mr Beath told the inquest that his mother's sudden decline hadn't made sense, even though she was 92.

His mother had left £1.6m in her will, but only some personal items to her family. The will was being contested.

Mr Matthews said he understood the family's frustration at the sudden death of Mrs Sassen-Povel and the factors surrounding it, but said there was no evidence of anything other than natural causes.

He issued an order for her re-burial.