Open verdict on Newton death

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Drugs and steroids may have impaired the judgement of rugby league star Terry Newton when he hanged himself, an inquest heard yesterday. A coroner ruled she could not be certain the former Great Britain international was intent on suicide as she recorded an open verdict.

The hearing was told that traces of anabolic steroids, cocaine and amphetamine were found in his system following his death on 26 September.

He was discovered by police in the loft of his home in Orrell after his wife Stacey had told a friend she was concerned for his safety. He left notes around the house expressing a desire to end his life.

Newton, 31, had his contract terminated by Wakefield in February after being suspended for two years for a positive drug test for human growth hormone.

Toxicology reports showed he had taken nandrolone within a week of his death and traces of cocaine and amphetamine were in his urine, along with alcohol.

Wigan Coroner Jennifer Leeming said: "I cannot be sure beyond all reasonable doubt that Mr Newton had the capacity at the relevant time to form an appropriate intention to end his own life."