A HEARTBROKEN family sobbed as a coroner said the intentions of a Chard man were not clear following his death.

Nigel Farley, 35, was found dead by his girlfriend at his home in Henson Park on Monday, April 17.

An inquest today (October 11) heard Mr Farley had struggled with issues including alcohol dependency, drug abuse and depression and had been in contact with doctors and drug and alcohol services before his death.

Senior coroner Tony Williams recorded the cause of death as hanging but said: "His intentions have not been established."

He read a statement from Jenny Reid, a pastor from South Chard Church which Mr Farley was an active part of. The pastor said she had seen Mr Farley the night before his death and said she was concerned for his welfare.

Miss Reid said she and Mr Farley visited her in the evening on April 16 and said he was "crying and talking about ending his life".

The pastor said she was worried about Mr Farley's mental state after he had lost his medication.

She said she called the NHS crisis team to try and get Mr Farley admitted to hospital and an emergency prescription but said she was not given any advice on how to manage Mr Farley's mental state.

PC Nalley, from Chard Police, said Mr Farley was angry when police visited Miss Reid's home and said he was shouting at them saying they were "useless".

The pastor said Mr Farley then walked home and was visited by police who said he seemed "calm and apologetic".

The coroner then read a statement from Anita Crossley, Mr Farley's mother, which said Mr Farley seemed calm and content when he returned to his home after he visited her on April 17.

Speaking at the inquest, the heartbroken mother said: "He said he was going to go and collect his medication from Jenny, he seemed fine."

Mrs Crossley said her son had a history of drug problems and said he was reliant on alcohol.

A toxicology report revealed Mr Farley was over twice the drink drive limit at the time of his death and had a number of drugs in his system including methadone and cocaine.

Dr Additola, who compiled the report said the effect of the drugs in his system could have been 'compounded' meaning Mr Farley's reaction to them could have been stronger.