A HEROIN-user was found by his mother after taking "a lethal cocktail of opiate drugs and alcohol".

Matthew Barnwell, of Ombersley Road, Worcester, had already taken three overdoses in the past and was being treated for alcoholism, an inquest at Worcestershire Coroner's Court heard.

Coroner Victor Round said Mr Barnwell, aged 32, was found collapsed in his bedroom on November 12 and he was later pronounced dead at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

"His mother did not believe he was a heroin addict and that he used it to calm mood swings.

"He was found face down on the bed, his face blue, and only just breathing, surrounded by drugs paraphernalia.

"It appears he took a lethal cocktail of opiate drugs and a high amount of alcohol."

Pathologist Dr Edmund Tapp concluded that Mr Barnwell died from opiate and alcohol poisoning and Mr Round recorded a verdict of death from non-dependent abuse of drugs.