A Harrogate web developer was found dead at the bottom of his staircase after a night out, an inquest heard yesterday.

James Alan Benson, 40, died at the home he shared with his partner in Spofforth on March 17 this year.

Assistant coroner Gill Kane, who led the inquest at Northallerton Coroner's Court, said Mr Benson had been “out the night before” his death, and was "slurring his words” when he returned. 

The court heard his partner, who was named in court, found him “slumped at the bottom of the stairs” the following morning, where paramedics later certified his death.

Ms Kane also said “packets of medication” were found on Mr Benson and on a table inside the house.

His provisional cause of death was attributed to multi-drug toxicity.

The inquest was adjourned to a full hearing at a later date.