A HAMPSHIRE man desperate to get to sleep died after he took an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, an inquest heard.

Richard Robins from Justin Close, Fareham was rushed to hospital in March last year, after his wife woke up to find him sweating and struggling to breath in bed. Empty pill bottles and strips next to his bed, showed that the 68-year-old had taken an overdose in the early hours of March 5.

Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Coroner’s Court heard how doctors at Queen Alexandra Hospital, in Cosham, were unable to stop his deterioration and he died, eight hours later.

A post mortem confirmed the main cause of death was the overdose but that the poor condition of his heart was a secondary contributing factor.

Mr Robins had suffered from depression, anxiety and insomnia for many years.

Coroner David Horsley said he was not satisfied that he wanted to commit suicide and recorded a verdict of accidental death.