MAN’S BODY FOUND IN FLAT BY FRIEND AFTER AN ‘ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE’

‘Intelligent’ man addicted to heroin since the age of 15

A ‘VERY intelligent’ man was found dead at his home by a friend, an inquest heard.

John Dawson’s body was discovered at his flat in Finstock Avenue, Blurton, on November 29.

The friend called on a neighbour for help, and when paramedics arrived they found CPR was being administered.

But it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save John, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

An inquest into the 46-yearold’s death heard he had a history of substance abuse, and became addicted to heroin at the age of 15.

Despite making some efforts to turn things round, John’s drug habit continued to worsen and he had also started to smoke monkey dust in addition to heroin.

His brother Joseph told the inquest: “John was a very intelligent person. He was interested in a vast amount of things in regard to aspirations.

“He had issues when he was 15 and started to take heroin and pot.

“He worked in the family business as and when required. The last time I saw John in person, he seemed fine.”

A post mortem revealed large quantities of illicit substances in John’s system, consistent with recreational misuse.

Police had also been called to the property, and reported seizing paraphernalia associated with drug misuse, including a syringe filled with a ‘dark liquid’.

DC Michael Smith was one of the officers who attended the scene and found John’s body.

In a statement, he said: “I could see there were signs of drug use throughout the flat.”

District coroner Sarah Murphy concluded John died of an accidental overdose.

She said: “I have to consider whether this was an accidental overdose. I have no evidence before me that would give me any cause to suspect that this was an intentional overdose.

“Therefore I find this to be a drug-related death. I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Mr Dawson.”