A CORONER has written to prison bosses asking for better education for inmates on the dangers of overdosing soon after their release.

Michael Singleton acted following the case of drug addict and alcoholic Francis Taylor, who died alone in his bedroom as a result of combining the two substances which had blighted his life, an inquest heard.

His death, shortly after being released from Preston Prison, has prompted a call for a better education policy. Mr Taylor, 36, was found curled in a ball on the floor of his room at the bed and breakfast accommodation in Bolton Road, Blackburn, which he had called home since September 2002.

His body was discovered by the owner and another resident. They attended the inquest to give evidence, but there were no family or friends present.

PC Sarah Clark said a syringe had been recovered from the room. She said Mr Taylor had been a heroin user for 14 or 15 years. Shortly before his death, he had been released from prison after serving a 35-day sentence for shoplifting during which he had been through a detoxification programme.

A post-mortem examination revealed a blood alcohol level of nearly three times the drink-drive limit and the presence of heroin. The cause of death was given as heroin and alcohol toxicity.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, Coroner Mr Singleton said he was satisfied that Mr Taylor had self-injected heroin while under the influence of alcohol.

"Once again I see a relatively young man lose his life through an overdose of heroin after a period of time in prison," said Mr Singleton.

"It is becoming a regular occurrence that users who return to their habit after being released, fail to take into account that their body no longer has the same level of tolerance.

"The quantities they had been consuming now has a toxic effect which can bring about sudden death.

"I believe there is a responsibility on the prison authorities to seek to educate known addicts with regards to this matter and to that extent I am advising the governor of Preston Prison of my concerns," he added.