The first person to be charged with sex offences as part of the investigation triggered by allegations of abuse against Jimmy Savile took his own life by a deliberate drug overdose, an inquest has heard.
Chauffeur David Smith, 67, was found dead at his home after failing to turn up at Southwark Crown Court in London for the start of his trial on October 28.
A warrant was issued ordering Smith to turn up at court the following day, but when officers arrived at his home in London, they found his body.
Dr Peter Jerreat told the inquest at Southwark Coroner's Court that the cause of death was drug intoxication.
"He had been drinking, but not a significant amount," he added.
"There were no signs of injury."
Senior Coroner Dr Andrew Harris concluded that the case contained all the "ingredients" to prove he killed himself.
Smith had faced two counts of indecent assault, two of indecency with a child, and one of buggery, all relating to a 12-year-old boy, between June 1 and July 21 1984.
Smith was a prolific sex offender with 22 convictions, the first in 1966.
Court documents from the criminal case said there was "no evidence to suggest any connection" between Smith and Savile, though the former "was contracted to work as a driver for the BBC in the relevant period", it added.
The corporation reported that in the latest court case, it was alleged that Smith met his victim at a swimming pool and invited him back to his flat, where he sexually abused him.
He also took the boy on a visit to the BBC studios at White City in west London. The boy claimed he was indecently assaulted during the journey.
The victim's partner contacted police after the ITV documentary Exposure: The Other Side Of Jimmy Savile, which was broadcast in October 2012.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
