AN ELECTRICAL engineer died from a lethal cocktail of alcohol and pain killers after years of depression, an inquest heard. Nicholas Bryant, 39, of Purbeck Road, Chatham, died at a friend's house in Gillingham on May 31 after drinking lager and taking co-proxamol.

He had made six attempts to take his own life in the past but assistant deputy coroner Stephen Becks recorded a verdict of accidental death. He said: "There was no evidence that it was his intention to take his life. He may have taken overdoses in the past but there is nothing to show it was his intention to take his life this time."

Mr Bryant's father, Barry, told the inquest: "Nick was a very kind boy and a Christian who would help anyone." His mother, Jean, explained her son had become depressed after he was beaten up at a nightclub in New Road, Chatham six years ago.

Dr David Rouse, forensic pathologist, said Mr Bryant had died in his sleep from the effects of alcohol and co-proxamol.