A MAN was found dead in bed after a night out, an inquest has been told.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard Michael James Barnes, 38, of Pennine Road, Millbrook, was found on May 13 this year.

The Southampton man was tragically found dead by his partner, a brief hearing was told.

They had attended a funeral and had "a few drinks", assistant coroner Robert Simpson said.

"His partner returned home.

"Mr Barnes stayed out til 3am on May 13.

"At 6.30am before leaving for work his partner spoke to Mr Barnes. He was hungover but fine."

But when the partner returned Mr Barnes was unresponsive in bed. CPR was performed and paramedics called but he could not be revived, said Mr Simpson.

The inquest opening was told the preliminary cause of death is a drugs overdose.

A full inquest into his death is due to be held on September 5 next year.

What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

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