A MAN was found dead in bed after accidentally overdosing on painkillers, an inquest was told.

Christopher William Lambie died in his sleep on January 3 2008, Gwent Coroner's Court heard.

The 21-year-old from Scotland was staying with his brother David at Davies Street, Brynmawr over Christmas 2007. He had taken two strong painkillers after complaining of severe headaches.

His brother David used the tablets for back pains, but Mr Lambie ignored his advice over their strength, the Newport hearing was told.

Mr Lambie took them to relieve headaches following an alleged assaulted on the night of January 1. He had travelled to Brynmawr with parents Margaret and William Lambie from Scotland on December 22.

Gwent Police DC Ian Thomas said Mr Lambie was a heavy drinker and his family challenged him about his drinking over the Christmas period. He continued to consume alcohol and sometimes drank a few cans before breakfast.

On the night of January 1, he walked Amanda Davies, a girl he met over Christmas, home. On the way back to his brother’s, he was allegedly assaulted by an unknown man and was left with a black eye.

Mr Lambie complained of severe headaches the next day, felt dizzy and was sick.

After taking cocodamols, he was given the strong painkillers by his brother.

He went to bed on the night of January 2, with his father last checking him just before midnight. His father found him dead in bed the next day.

Nobody was charged over the alleged assault, the inquest heard. DC Thomas said: “If an assault did take place, it played no part in his death.”

Home Office pathologist Doctor Derek James said that Mr Lambie died as a result of morphine toxicity.

Coroner David Bowen recorded a verdict of misadventure. He said: “It is quite clear that Mr Lambie deliberately ignored advice and took very strong tablets not prescribed to him.

“He didn’t intend to kill himself, he was only interested in relieving pain. But it was a foolhardy thing to do.”