A HEAVY drinker died of an accidental overdose while taking heroin following a booze binge last November, an inquest was told.

Unemployed design technician, Adrian Nisbet, 26, of Hartington Road, Middlesbrough, had a history of alcohol abuse dating back to his teenage years. He had attempted suicide in September 2002.

His mother, Linda Nisbet, told the Middlesbrough inquest that she knew he had dabbled with drugs when he was 18 but did not know he was still abusing illegal substances.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield heard that Mr Nisbet's doctor, Steven Williams, had treated him for alcohol abuse and that he had expressed fear of rejection during counselling sessions.

A statement from friend, Andrew Walters, said that the pair had bought £20 worth of heroin on November 20 and went back to Mr Nisbet's flat, where Mr Walters injected and Mr Nisbet smoked the drug.

He then described how Mr Nisbet called his dealer and purchased another £10 worth of heroin and how this time his friend injected himself.

Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter said that the level of heroin in his body was consistent with recreational use but concluded the combination of the drug and a high level of alcohol led to an accidental overdose.

Mr Sheffield recorded a verdict of misadventure.