A BLACKBURN pensioner twice overdosed on tablets following a failed romance.

An inquest heard that 72-year-old Kenneth Wood died after the second overdose when he took a massive quantity of tablets.

But coroner Michael Singleton recorded an open verdict because he could not be sure the retired driver had intended to kill himself.

The inquest heard that Mr Wood, of Devonport Court, Belle Vue Street, had been involved in a relationship.

His son, Michael Hartley, told the inquest Mr Wood had taken the break up of the relationship very badly. At the same time he had undergone tests at hospital and he believed he was suffering from cancer, although that was never confirmed.

He said when his dad's former lady friend entered a new relationship he realised there was no chance she would ever come back. "He became very depressed," said Mr Hartley.

Mr Wood was admitted to hospital at the end of March after taking an overdose.

"I went to see him and he was talking about the break up, which was why he had taken the tablets," said Mr Hartley.

"I think it was a cry for help. He thought if he went into hospital she would come to visit him but she didn't."

Neighbour John Dickinson told how after his discharge from hospital Mr Wood had continued to be depressed at times. He said when he was out and about Mr Wood seemed fine but got depressed in his flat.

"There were too many reminders and it used to get on top of him," said Mr Dickinson. He told how he phoned Mr Wood on the morning of August 13 and he said he was having a lie in because he hadn't slept well.

Mr Dickinson rang again at dinner time and his friend said he was about to have a shower. He said he would give him an hour and then come up with his dinner. When he did he found his friend collapsed in the hallway.

He also found an empty blister pack which had originally contained 18 paracetamol and an empty box which had contained 60 tablets. There was a note from Mr Wood to Mr Dickinson which said he was sorry to have let him down.

Mr Wood died in hospital the following day as a result of drug toxicity.

Mr Singleton said that to record a verdict of suicide he would have to be sure beyond doubt.

He said: "The note appears to be consistent with a decision to take his own life and all the available tablets had been taken. However, there must be some element of doubt as to what he intended by his actions. He was aware that Mr Dickinson would come to his flat and would no doubt discover him. It is possible that this was a cry for help that went tragically wrong."