A MAN who suffered from tourettes was found dead at a hostel, an inquest has heard.

Gregory Verryden, 27, was discovered unresponsive by a staff member on his bed in his room at Union House in St Peter Street, Blackburn, on June 5 last year.

The hearing at Preston Coroners’ Court heard how an empty pack of sleeping tablets had been found in the bin of Mr Verryden’s room by police.

While the inquest heard that a note suggesting intent from Mr Verryden to take medication was also found in a greeting card in his room.

The hearing heard how Mr Verryden had, as well as suffering from Tourettes Syndrome, had also struggled with OCD and psychotic episodes and had a history of depression and anxiety.

The inquest also heard that Mr Verryden had attempted to take an overdose previously.

But James Newman, coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, could offer no cause of his death.

Recording an open conclusion, Mr Newman said: “There was evidence of a deliberate overdose as well as evidence of an existing lesion in his brain, and on the evidence before me, I am unable to determine which led to his death.”

The inquest heard from Mr Verryden’s mother Pauline Verryden who said her son had dreamed of having his own family one day.

Born in Ashford, Kent, Mr Verryden grew up in Dover and also had lived in Coventry, while his mum told the inquest how he enjoyed drama, maths and swimming amongst other things.

While she said he had also done voluntary work for the British Heart Foundation and Age UK.

In a written statement read out at the inquest, she said: “Gregory had complex conditions including Tourettes Syndrome, OCD and psychotic episodes.

“He told me that he’d love to have a family of his own. But he never got the chance,” she added.