A 21-YEAR-OLD woman, who died from a drugs overdose days before Christmas, took it on purpose, but intended to be found, an inquest heard.

Kerrie Ann-Marie Marshall had sent her partner an early hours text message saying: "Come home, I need you" but had earlier not seemed depressed, the hearing at Burnley Magistrates' Court was told.

Miss Marshall's live-in partner Janet Ralph, who had earlier been with her in the Irish League Club, said there had been no suggestion she was going to do what she did. She added she and Miss Marshall had talked about getting married and getting a pub together.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, acting East Lancs Coroner Richard Taylor said while Miss Marshall, who had taken an overdose before, had taken it deliberately and left a note. He believed she intended to be found. He added: "It seems to me she was waiting up for Janet, hoped that she would find her and all would be well."

Miss Marshall, of Fir Street, Nelson, died on December 22. Her son's girlfriend Deborah Lawrence, who was living with her son, her boyfriend and the couple, said at about 2am, Miss Marshall arrived home and said she would wait for Janet.

Miss Lawrence said she went downstairs again about 3am and Miss Marshall was lying on the settee. She thought she was asleep but saw the empty tablet container, the note and noticed Miss Marshall's lips were blue.

Her boyfriend called for an ambulance and Miss Lawrence, ran to the Irish League Club to get Miss Ralph. Miss Lawrence, told the inquest Miss Marshall had appeared fine and had not seemed upset when she arrived home.

Miss Ralph said she and Miss Marshall had lived together for almost seven months. When the relationship started, she knew Miss Marshall had previously taken an overdose. Miss Marshall had been signed off by her doctor for depression, but was not on medication and did not appear to be suffering from the illness. Pathologist Dr Zuhair Twaij, who performed a post mortem examination, said Miss Marshall had infection in both lungs. Samples from her body showed high levels of painkillers and alcohol.