A NORTHWICH mum died from an accidental overdose of anti-depressants, just as she had made a fresh start to her life.

Melanie Pollitt, 50, was found dead at her home in Clarence Drive, Cuddington, on December 18, last year, an inquest in Warrington heard on Tuesday.

Her family told the hearing they had never seen her as happy and positive as she had been in the months before her death.

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In a statement, her brother Andrew Green, and next of kin, said Melanie had started a new job as a pharmacist assistant in October 2021.

She had spoken about making new friends and enjoying her career.

Melanie had created a lovely home with her daughter, he said, and was enjoying turning her life around.

“She lived for her daughter and thought the world of her,” said Mr Green.

She had made plans to spend Christmas with her family, with whom she was in close and regular contact.

Melanie had recently celebrated special family occasions, including her own 50th birthday that August, a family wedding in October and her dad’s 70th birthday in November.

Melanie suffered from anxiety and depression, the court heard, and had been prescribed a range of medication to help.

GP Dr Declan Kelly, of Weaver Vale Surgery, confirmed, in a statement, that she had been taking anti-depressants for three years.

She was also on medication for colitis and diverticulitis and had a history of alcohol misuse.

A week before Christmas last year, her sister, Jenny became concerned because she had not spoken to Melanie for a few days and raised the alarm.

Police broke into her semi-detached house and found her dead, lying on the floor in the living room.

Packets of tablets and empty bottles of wine were found nearby.

Police carried out an investigation and found there were no suspicious circumstances.

Pathologist Dr David Butterworth carried out a post mortem examination and arranged for a toxicology report after he could find no natural cause of death.

Toxicologist Philippa Wood found high levels of Citalopram, an anti-depressant, that could prove a risk of toxicology.

Heath Westerman, assistant coroner for Cheshire, reached a conclusion of misadventure.

He said: “There is no evidence of any attempt at self-harm.

“Melanie died from taking drugs with no intention of ending her life. This was accidentally done.

“Please may I offer my extended condolences to her family and friends.”