Mark Woods already had a history of taking drugs before he moved from Preston to Seaham to support his brother through a divorce.

An inquest into the 46-year-old's death heard police were called to his home in Fox Street, Dawdon, after a report from someone saying they were concerned for his welfare.

When officers went into the upstairs bedroom they found a friend trying to resuscitate him, but when paramedics arrived on the scene he had died.

A post-mortem examination and tests showed he had taken heroin, which would have been in a "potentially-fatal zone on its own".

Also, alcohol, enough to be more than twice over the drink-drive limit, and diazepam, also known as Valium, were also found in his system, which may not have proved lethal without the heroin.

The inquest, held at Darlington County Court, heard hair samples revealed he had previously taken drugs occasionally in small to medium doses, but was not an addict.

A mark, which looked to have been caused by a needle, was found on his forearm, and a syringe found near him in the bedroom.

Drug paraphernalia, including wipes and distilled water, was discovered in a brown paper bag underneath the bed.

Mr Woods's friend was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug, and he told police he had offered to hide the items, but no charges were brought following further investigations.

They established a man and woman had visited the terrace house during the day, on October 12, 2007, and it was suggested this was when a purchase may have been made.

Inquiries also found Mr Woods had previously spoken to other users in Seaham about the price of drugs in the area, particularly a substance classed as fake Valium.

Durham Constabulary established in the past he had associated with heroin users and dealers in Preston and had a record for possessing drugs.

On the day of his death, Mr Woods had been drinking from the early hours and his partner and friend made regular checks on him after he went to bed.

Detective Sergeant Paul Colling, of Seaham CID, who investigated the death, was asked about Mr Woods's behaviour on the day and said witnesses said his reactions were typical of when he had been drinking.

Det Sgt Colling said: "His partner described going up to try and raise him and ask if he was going to come down, he wasn't actually fully awake, but he has grunted or groaned.

"That's the description of Mark leading up to when he unfortunately died."

He said no-one had seen Mr Woods take the heroin.

Assistant deputy coroner Graham Hunsley said: "There is no evidence he was abusing on a very regular basis.

"It's sometimes in these circumstances of course, that heroin users are not conditioned to regular or high doses and that a small quantity could be problematical.

"It may be that the dosage of diazepam and alcohol contributed, but the drug to cause his death, which is quite clear in my mind, is heroin."

Verdict: Death by non-dependent abuse of drugs.