A HEROIN addict died after contracting an infection probably caused by injecting himself with a dirty needle, a Teesside Coroners' Court heard yesterday.

Craig Weatherell, 35, of Elwick Gardens, Stockton, was found in a coma by a police officer, who had called to issue him with a warrant on August 15 last year. He died two days later in hospital.

A registered heroin addict, Mr Weatherell had not been seen by his family for several days before he was found, and doctors who treated him believe he could have been unconscious in his flat for up to five days.

Consultant pathologist, Dr Campbell Ritchie told the inquest the endocarditis infection was found in his heart, brain, liver, kidneys and spleen.

He said: "Once in the body the infection makes rapid progress and takes only a few weeks between initiation of the illness and death."

A toxicology report showed only small traces of heroin in Mr Weatherell's system but the level was put down to the length of time he had been in his flat before he was found.

Recording a verdict of death by misadventure, Coroner Michael Sheffield said: "I am satisfied that he died from bacterial endocarditis.

"The drugs were taken over a period of time and for the last time at home, which was a few days prior to April 15."