A HEROIN addict from Winchester who started using drugs at 13 died from an overdose, an inquest heard.
Paul Colman, 39, who was living in the Victoria Housing Project in Hyde-gate, had a history of heroin abuse and overdoses.
He was found unconscious in his room surrounded by hypodermic needles and other drug-related paraphernalia.
Mr Colman was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital where he later died.
The inquest heard that Paul Colman began using drugs when he was still at school, but his parents had not been aware of his habit until many years later.
"He was very easily led," a statement from his father James Colman said.
Giving evidence at the inquest, consultant pathologist Dr Belvinder Shoker explained heroin can cause death by heart failure or by stopping breathing.
Recording a verdict of accidental death, deputy coroner Simon Burge said: "I hope those who read about this case will think twice before dabbling with illegal drugs because of the sad consequences which can so often follow getting involved with heroin in particular.''
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