A St Albans woman died after taking too much medication to alleviate the pain she was suffering from, an inquest heard.

Claire Lee of Newgate Close, was found dead at her home on Sunday, June 22.

Toxicology tests revealed the 51-year-old had traces of dihydrocodeine, Tramadol and methadone in her body after her death. The court heard that the level of methadone was within the "therapeutic range" but it could be toxic if the person was not used to taking it.

However, the amount of Dihydrocodeine was found to be "in a range that could be lethal" and "Tramadol was high but just below the toxic range".

Ms Lee was admitted to QE2 Hospital, Welwyn Garden City in May with chest pains and the court heard that she may have suffered a fractured rib.

Edward Thomas, Hertfordshire’s senior coroner said: "It was clear she was taking too much medication.

"She had problems with her ribs and therefore nothing was found to indicate intention.

"The overdose was a result of too much medication to alleviate the pain she was suffering, therefore, I have recorded the verdict of accidental death."

Ms Lee was found by PC James Irlen after a taxi driver who regularly drove the 51-year-old, knocked on the door, but did not receive a response.

The taxi driver then called police because this was "uncharacteristic".

Her last contact with her GP was on June 9 and the court heard that Ms Lee did not want to reduce any of the treatment and she was still suffering from rib pains.