AN addict who tried to kick his drugs habit died after taking a cocktail of heroin and diazepam, an inquest heard.

Unemployed engineer Ian Pretty, 31, was found dead on the floor of a house in Fountains Court, New Skelton, near Saltburn, east Cleveland, in April.

His body was discovered by the daughter of the property's tenant, Trent O'Neil.

Mr Pretty was staying at the house of his friend as he tried to end his ten-year battle with drugs.

Another housemate, Andrew McGarvey, told the inquest, at Teesside Coroners' Court, that Mr Pretty had been alive, but under the influence of diazepam, when he went to bed during the early evening of Friday, April 10.

The girl found Mr Pretty in the living room at about 10am the following morning.

She ran to get help from her father, who called the emergency services.

Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter said death was caused by heroin, or morphine, and diazepam toxicity.

He estimated the time of death as about midnight and said Mr Pretty died shortly after taking the fatal injection of the drug.

The Teesside coroner, Michael Sheffield, recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.