A WINSFORD man who battled with drug addiction and mental health issues drowned in the River Weaver, an inquest heard.

Samuel Wilson, 33, was discovered on Saturday, May 30, 2015 by a dog walker in the River Weaver, near Weaver Valley Road.

He had been missing for more than a week after leaving his family home in Winsford on the afternoon of May 22.

In his post mortem, Dr Brian Rogers ruled the cause of death was drowning, complicated by the amphetamine toxicity.

A toxicology report found that Samuel had more than 2000 mg of amphetamines in his blood at the time of death – eight times the dose that could prove lethal under normal circumstances.

The inquest heard how Samuel had battled with drug addiction for years, particularly with amphetamine – more commonly known as speed.

Samuel did have periods in his life where he was clean from drugs – one time up to eight months – though his addiction proved hard to completely overcome.

Mr Wilson said his son kept his drug taking secret early on, but his behaviour eventually became more erratic.

A psychiatric report said Samuel would experience depressive episodes, delusions, psychosis and hallucinations.

Samuel did seek help through various mental health services.

However, Alison Shaw, his care co-ordinator at Vale House Resource Centre, Winsford, said they sometimes struggled to engage with Samuel, who would often miss appointments.

He also had a fear of hospitals, the inquest heard.

In early 2005, Samuel was admitted to Bowmere Hospital.

On his first night he tried to smash a window by throwing a chair at it. He was released after three nights.

Ms Shaw revealed Samuel admitted he had not been honest to Bowmere medical staff about his symptoms.

She said: “He said to me he wasn’t honest about how he felt because he wanted to go home.”

Nicholas Rheinberg, HM Coroner for Cheshire, said he was ‘satisfied’ there had been no foul play.

He did not rule out the possibility of suicide, though there was insufficient evidence to support this.

Delivering his verdict, Mr Rheinberg, said: “The only conclusion I can come to is one of an open conclusion as it is not clear how Samuel Wilson met his death.”