A father-of-two took his own life when his partner left him because of his drugs problem.

Stephen Goodall, 30, of Broad Oak, Wood Farm, Oxford, was found hanging from the rafters at his home when his partner returned to check on him.

Julie Kightley, of Campbell Road, Florence Park, yesterday said at an inquest into her former lover's death that she was not shocked at what he had done, but was devastated by the way he chose to do it.

She said: "It was no surprise that he took his life. He had nine prior attempts which had all been overdoses."

Consultant pathologist Dr Peter Millard said the death was caused by injuries resulting from strangulation. Coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded a verdict that Mr Goodall took his own life.