A man killed himself because he could not handle the shame of being accused of molesting and abducting two boys, an inquest heard

David Oke, 44, wrote a suicide note protesting his innocence, claiming "forensic science will one day prove it," before taking 60 painkillers.

The qualified chef, originally from Oxford Road, Littlemore, had been charged with taking the boys, who cannot be named, and committing a gross indecency on each of them in May.

The inquest was told that Mr Oke was given bail by magistrates and was sent to St Leonard's Bail Hostel, Reading. Two months later, in July, he took an overdose.

His brother, Adrian Allen, said Mr Oke had been a happy go-lucky man until the allegations were made.

"He always maintained he was innocent," Mr Allen said.

Kamoru Ademefun, an assistant warden at St Leonard's, said Mr Oke returned to the hostel around 10pm on July 3, and seemed fine.

Colleague Margaret Smith checked Mr Oke at 7.30am the next day and assumed he was asleep.

It was only when Mr Ademefun did a second check at 8.30am that he discovered Mr Oke was dead.

Det Con Duncan Wade said police did not think there was any foul play. A number of tablets and the note were found in Oke's room.

Reading coroner Dr Joe Pim recorded a verdict that Mr Oke killed himself.