A Clevedon man awaiting trail for charges of possessing indecent images of children died of a heroin overdose, an inquest has heard.

John McEwan, 57, was found dead by his landlord at his home in Moore Park, Clevedon, on October 26, 2008.

The joiner, originally from Liverpool, was awaiting trial at Weymouth Crown Court for allegedly taking indecent photographs of a child.

An inquest at Flax Bourton Coroners Court heard that Mr McEwan, who was divorced with two children, had no history of heavy drug use but occasionally smoked cannabis.

Toxicology reports found that he had a "lethal level" of morphine in his blood, which would have caused him to stop breathing. There were no needle marks on his body, so it is likely he took a pill.

The court heard he had attempted suicide in 1992 and 1999.

Sgt Jarrid Bartlett told the court that Mr McEwan was found dead in his bed by his landlord. Police found cannabis and tobacco in his bedside table, along with a prosecution file containing crown court paperwork.

Coroner Terry Moore said Mr McEwan had self-harmed but the last incidence was 10 years ago. He recorded an open verdict.