A Gulf War veteran who claimed his military experiences caused him psychological difficulties died after overdosing on his wife's painkillers and beer, an inquest heard.

Richard Fairlie, 26, was found unconscious by his wife Marie at their home in Redmoor Court, Bicester, on August 6, 1999.

Mr Fairlie had served with the British Army in the Gulf War in 1991.

Mrs Fairlie told Oxford Coroner's Court her husband did not seem upset on the night of his death.

He had bought beer from a corner shop and was planning to watch television, while babysitting her daughter.

In a statement, an army personnel officer said Mr Fairlie often drank and had a tendency to self-harm. He was discharged on medical grounds in 1997.

Home Office pathologist Dr Nick Hunt said the cause of death was an overdose of co-proximol, a drug his wife was prescribed for back pain, and alcohol.

Recording an open verdict, Coroner Nicholas Gardiner said that though it was not a huge overdose, co-proximol and alcohol could be a peculiarly lethal combination.