A CORONER recorded an open verdict following the death of a retired police sergeant at his home in Deane.

James Dobson was pronounced dead at his ground floor flat in Hanover Court, off Greenbank Road, on October 12 last year.

An inquest at Bolton Coroner’s Court yesterday heard the 66-year-old sustained two head injuries after a suspected fall in his kitchen.

Mr Dobson served with Lancashire Constabulary for 34 years. In 2001, Mr Dobson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which had caused him to suffer a number of falls.

Ambulances had attended his flat 45 times in the nine months leading up to his death.

Dr Sarah Lloyd- Craig told the coroner Mr Dobson lived alone and declined offers of a home help, but he did accept a walking aid. He began suffering from depression and was prescribed antidepressants.

In a post mortem examination, Dr Patrick Waugh found 18 times the recommended dose of anti-depressants had been taken.

Assistant deputy coroner Peter Watson said: “I am not satisfied there is enough evidence that he tried to take his own life.”