A CORONER has warned of the dangers of alcoholism and the drugs used to treat it after a Bideford man plunged to his death from Kenwith Viaduct.

Retired carer, John Paul Kearn Williams, 54, died on May 12 last year after jumping off the Bideford viaduct.

Mr Williams, known as Paul, had become addicted to drugs used to treat alcoholism and said he was unable to cope with a reduction in his medication, Barnstaple Coroners Court heard.

Police negotiators spent nearly two hours trying to coax Mr Williams away from the edge of the 40ft viaduct.

His sister, Jenny McIntyre, said she could not praise the police enough.

Speaking after last Wednesday's inquest, she said: "They spent one-and-a-half to two hours talking to him, caring for him, trying to do their best for him which is more than he had had for years and I can't thank them enough."

Mr Williams told police hostage negotiators that he was an alcoholic and he suffered from agoraphobia which caused him to be depressed, the inquest was told.

He said he was a carer for his mother before she died and he had saved his sister's life when he found her lying on the floor after she had suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Police negotiator, PC Michael Walker, told the court that Mr Williams said his tablets had been reduced from 12 to eight a day and although he knew he had to reduce them, it was too fast and he couldn't cope.

Officers at the scene contacted Mr Williams's GP, Dr Adrian Henderson, who said he would not raise the medication back up to a previous level, but would negotiate with him if he visited the Northam surgery.

There was no suggestion that Mr Williams wanted his doctor to go to the scene, nor did he say he needed the tablets right away.

The court heard that Mr Williams had a history of chronic alcoholism from 1995 and started suffering from a depressive disorder from 1998.

He gave alcohol up in 1999 and was prescribed medication as he was unable to cope with the pressures of everyday life.

The court heard that his Heminevrin addiction replaced his alcohol addiction.

Dr Henderson told the inquest: "At no time was he considered a suicide risk."

He said he was "absolutely astonished" to hear he had taken his own life.

When contacted by police at the scene he said: "I thought this was an effort to get more tablets rather than a suicidal attempt; I was wrong in that."

He added: "It was so out of character to be on the bridge, he was a guy who was agoraphobic."

The doctor said the tablets are only meant to be used as a short term measure. However, if stopped suddenly they could cause a fatal convulsion but if Mr Williams continued taking high levels, it would put him at profound risk of an overdose, intentional or otherwise.

Mr Henderson said he didn't believe the tablets were reduced too quickly and the reduction process was not more than recommended. He was following guidelines he said.

Coroner Elizabeth Earland recorded a verdict that Mr Williams took his own life.

She said: "My deep sympathies go to Mrs McIntyre and the rest of the family and I hope those who hear this sad tale will take note of the dangers of alcohol and the drugs used to treat alcoholism.

Mrs McIntyre said she felt dissatisfied following the inquest and felt there were still many questions that had gone unanswered.