DRUG user Lee Challenor died from an overdose, an inquest ruled.

Mr Challenor, of Bridge Yard, Kingston Mills, Bradford on Avon, died on May 3, at 19.21pm the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

Wiltshire Coroner David Ridley ruled that the death was drug related.

A post mortem examination revealed there were levels of illicit drugs in his system, including heroin, which caused Mr Challenor to suffer from hypoxic brain damage which caused his death.

The inquest heard the 38-year-old had a history of drug use, such as cannabis and alcohol, but had been trying to get his life back on track and was weening himself off drugs.

Lee Mansfield, who had known Mr Challoner for four months, told the hearing he was waiting for a delivery of drugs on May 2.

He was notified of the dealer’s presence outside his flat and then went downstairs and out into the street where he disappeared into a Toyota.

Shortly after Mr Challenor emerged with what Mr Mansfield unmistakably recognised as two wraps of heroin.

Mr Challenor returned to his flat with Mr Mansfield, where he subsequently cooked the wraps.

Kelly Cullen, Mr Challenor’s sister, told the hearing he was finally taking control of his life and was becoming a much more infrequent user.

She said he had been taking heroin for pain relief as he was recovering from a fractured rib. His GP, Dr Kate Parker, confirmed the injury.

The inquest heard Mr Challenor was later admitted to the RUH on May 3 where he went into an induced coma.

A pathologist's report said illicit drugs were detected in Mr Challenor’s system but it cannot be proven what exact substances he took that caused his death.

After returning his verdict Mr Ridley said: “May I say that I would like to offer my sincere condolences to all Mr Challenor’s friends and family members,” he said.