THE fianc of a woman who died from an accidental overdose told how he thought she was asleep.

Stephen Bennett was giving evidence at the inquest into the death of Kathleen Denney, of Nairne Street, Burnley, yesterday.

The court heard how Mrs Denney, who had an 11-year-old daughter, may have had too much alcohol and taken more tablets than she should have.

Mr Bennett told the court he had gone to run her a bath and had thought she was asleep.

He said: "There is no way she would have taken her own life. She had a lovely daughter and we were getting married next year."

Acting East Lancs Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of accidental death on divorce Mrs Denney, 50, and said there was no doubt whatsoever she did not intend to kill herself.

The inquest, at Burnley Magistrates' Court, was told Mrs Denney, who lived with Mr Bennett and her daughter at Nairne Street, died on May 6.

Pathologist Dr Abdul Al-Dawoud said she had taken a lethal amount of paracetamol, drink and painkillers at double the level which would have killed her.

The effects of the pain killers could be enhanced by alcohol and Mrs Denney died due to the combined effects of the pain killers and drink.

Mr Bennett said his fiancee enjoyed a drink and the evening before she died he returned from work and found she had gone to the Coal Clough Club. Mrs Denney looked as if she had had a few drinks and was in a good mood. At last orders, Mrs Denney bought herself three drinks and one for Mr Bennett and then disappeared, leaving them.

Mr Bennett said he went home to find her sitting on the settee. Mrs Denney asked him to run her a bath.

He said he went upstairs and when he came down, he thought she was asleep. Mr Bennett got no response when he handed her her drink, rang 999 and then gave her the kiss of life.

Mr Bennett, who said he did not know how many tablets his fiance had taken, told the hearing she had been complaining of chest pains. He added: "I haven't got over it yet. I don't think I ever will."