QUESTIONS remain over a 62-year-old man's 'intention' after his body was discovered following 'excessive' intake of tramadol with alcohol.

On July 23 last year Malcolm Francis was found lay on the sofa at his Teal Grove flat in Birchwood.

The inquest into the death was held at Warrington Coroner's Court last Wednesday, January 4.

Coroner of Cheshire Nicholas Rheinberg told the inquest Liverpool-born Mr Francis, who was previously employed as a lorry driver, had various medical problems, including chronic alcohol abuse.

He said: "He had so many things wrong with him – most were linked to smoking or drinking.

"It seemed like he died from a combination of alcohol and tramadol. I will have to work out whether he took it with the intention of harming himself."

A toxicology report revealed a 'high level' of tramadol in Mr Francis' blood at the time of his death.

But evidence put forward by a friend said he would not have committed suicide, adding that he was 'full of life and planned to have a holiday'.

PC Callum McKay was the attending officer on July 23.

He arrived to the property just after 3.35pm and confirmed there was an empty box of wine close to Mr Francis.

He said: "Paramedics stated entry was forced – they unfortunately found him deceased.

"Malcolm was lay on the sofa facing the TV. The flat was in a fairly tidy condition – there were no notes and medication was in the kitchen.

"No suspicions were drawn from that."

In recording his verdict, Mr Rheinberg said he was unable to reach a 'conclusion' as to the 'intention' of Mr Francis.

He added: "There was an empty box of wine but no sign of empty medication packets and no sign of a note.

"He seemed to be in a relaxed position and spread out.

"The officer found tramadol at the premises – but I can't make any finding as to his intention.

"It would be quite wrong for me to assume, I also have no evidence on the subject of accidental death.

"I am going to describe the cause of death as self-administered tramadol excess in association with alcohol.

"But his intention could not be determined."