AN inquest into the death of a man in Alston on Christmas Day has recorded a conclusion of a drugs-related death.

Anthony Davison, of Brampton, died at the age of 46 on December 25 last year following long-term battles with alcohol and issues with mental health.

The court heard evidence from Mr Davison’s partner at the time, Danielle Harrison.

In a statement, she said: “On December 24, I went to his house to give him his Christmas presents. As I walked away he shouted me and let me in. It was all in darkness and he was alone.”

The court heard she invited him to spend Christmas with her and a friend, David Simmons.

They returned to Miss Harrison’s address in Alston and continued drinking before falling asleep on the floor. Miss Harrison’s statement described Mr Davison as being drunk and having some difficulty breathing. He was given an inhaler belonging to Mr Simmons, which seemed to help.

However, when Mr Simmons and Miss Harrison woke up, Mr Davison was not responding.

The court was told a post-mortem exam later found that he had levels of an anti-depressant medication in his system consistent with fatal levels.

The court heard a month earlier he had taken a deliberate overdose of anti-depressant medications and made an attempt to take his own life.

He was seen by mental health professionals and on November 20 said he planned to take a “massive overdose” on Christmas Day. However, he was discharged and labelled as a “low risk” of suicide and self-harm despite saying he had a stockpile of medication which he “refused to give up.”

The court also heard that Mr Davison’s mother, Angela Wheeler, had raised concerns with the coroner via about the circumstances of his death.

Coroner Kirsty Gomersal contacted police about the concerns, who told her there was “no evidence that he was lured to the address at which he died, and no evidence he was spiked.” Police added that Mr Davison’s property was searched and prescription drugs were found with a large number removed. Detective Inspector Simon Grey told the coroner there was “no evidence of any third party involvement.”

Summing up, Ms Gormersal referenced Mr Davison’s comments that he intended to take an overdose on Christmas Day but said: “This was said on November 20, over a month before his death.

“There’s limited evidence that Mr Davison took that medication to harm himself.

“Given the evidence I have heard, my judgement is that the most appropriate conclusion is due to a drug-related death. It cannot be found that Mr Davison intended to harm himself.

“I express my deepest condolences to Mr Davison’s mother and to his family, particularly his four brothers and sisters.”

There are a number of services that can offer help to anyone struggling with substance abuse.

The NHS advise anyone struggling to visit their GP, while the Talk To Frank website also has a list of local drug treatment services. Anyone struggling to find the right sort of help can call the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600.