A MOTHER-of-two died after taking a lethal concoction of prescription tablets, an inquest heard.

Chelmsford Coroner’s Court heard Kirsty Clarke, 43, of Biscay, in Eastwood, was found slumped over and unresponsive by her husband James when he returned home from the school run.

Paramedics attended the scene on December 13 but were unable to save Mrs Clarke, who had a history of depression and anxiety. She was pronounced dead at 9.45am.

Senior coroner Beasley-Murray ruled out the possibility of suicide and recorded the death as accidental, following evidence from the family and Essex Police.

A postmortem showed Mrs Clarke died from aspiration pneumonia, caused by her taking antidepressant amitriptyline and painkiller codeine.

Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection that develops after inhaling food, drink, vomit or saliva into the lungs.

Mrs Clarke, originally from Scotland, married partner James Clarke and adopted two children five years ago.

Husband James Clarke fought back tears as he gave evidence at the inquest yesterday.

He said: “She never spoke of killing herself, I’m sure she didn’t.

“2012 was a big year for us, we got married and adopted two children - she didn’t take her own life.”

Pc Simon King, who arrived at the family home shortly after paramedics, said he found no evidence of suicide, suspicious behaviour or foul play.

He added: “We searched the house and there was no suicide note.

“We seized all of the medication that was prescribed to Kirsty.”

As she closed the inquest, Mrs Beasley-Murray added: “On the balance of probability this was an accident.

“What a tragedy.

“She clearly was a much loved family member, seeing all of you all here is evidence.

“And I would like to express my sympathy to you all.”