A BLACKBURN sales manager died after taking a cocktail of paracetamol and whisky in a desperate cry for help, an inquest heard.

Kevin Massey, 37, was discovered in the bedroom of his home in Aintree Drive, Lower Darwen, by his estranged wife on June 28.

Gayle Massey told the hearing how she firmly believed he took the pills to worry her into taking him back as he knew she was due to return to the marital home that afternoon.

But a doctor's appointment which ran over time meant she arrived at the home later than planned and found Mr Massey on the verge of collapse, lying next to discarded packs of paracetamol and an empty bottle of whisky.

Mrs Massey told the hearing how her husband was upset at the break-up of their relationship but that she was not worried about his state of mind.

She said he had suffered depression and been prescribed Prozac in the past, but had never threatened suicide.

Mr Massey was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary but slipped into a coma and eventually died six days later.

A post mortem examination found Mr Massey died of brain damage and poisoning by paracetamol and alcohol.

Coroner Carolyn Singleton recorded a verdict of misadventure.