Death sparks internet drugs warning

Amy Elizabeth Pain was found dead in bed by her father, the Archdeacon of Monmouth, the Ven Richard Pain, at their vicarage home in the south Wales market town on October 12 last year.

The 22-year-old was described as an "intelligent", "creative" and "attractive" young woman by her father during the inquest in Newport.

He also said she had suffered a "psychotic episode" when aged 11 and was educated at home due to her reluctance to venture beyond the garden gate.

When she discontinued taking prescribed medication for her condition at the age of 18, Mr Pain said his daughter sought relief for insomnia through herbal remedies and prescription drugs bought over the internet.

In recording a verdict of misadventure, Gwent coroner David Bowen said it was likely Miss Pain accidentally took an overdose in an attempt to relieve period pain.

He added he would be contacting the relevant authorities to highlight the dangers of freely available prescription drugs over the internet.

"I'm concerned at the evidence I have heard at the apparent ease that drugs, normally only available by prescription, can be obtained by the internet," Mr Bowen said.

The coroner, who refused to identify any of the drugs obtained by Miss Pain, said one had stopped being prescribed in the UK in 2007.

The Archdeacon told the inquest that his family had voiced their concerns about Miss Page buying medication over the internet before her death.