Dirty needle led to death of drug user

An inquest in Accrington heard yesterday that Robert Johnstone , of South Shore Street, Accrington, was admitted to Blackburn Royal Infirmary on June 1 with bruising to his head, neck, both arms and his right leg.

He had complained of shortness of breath and dizziness as well as pain and swelling in his right arm.

Mr Johnstone died at the hospital the following day before his condition was diagnosed.

Coroner Michael Singleton said: "When this was reported to me it was considered to be suspicious and was being investigated by senior police who undertook a significant inquiry.

"A great deal of this related to an assault a week prior to his death.

"The initial concerns were as to whether in fact the assault may have in some way been causative of this man's death."

He went on to explain that a forensic pathologist was able to eliminate that theory as none of the bruising represented sufficient trauma to contribute to death.

Mr Singleton said a post mortem examination had revealed Mr Johnstone's lungs and heart were inflamed and this, coupled with his other symptoms, were typically seen in drug abuse.

Duncan Johnstone, the dead man's brother, told the inquest: "He did have a drug problem. I knew he was injecting heroin at some stage but did not know he was still doing it."

Mr Singleton revealed that other evidence had suggested Mr Johnstone's addiction had increased substantially leading up to his death.

He said: "The infection was probably introduced through using dirty needles. This then affected all the major organ system."

The coroner recorded a verdict of misadventure and said: "At a time and date unknown he had introduced an infection which ultimately led to his death.

"While one would never wish to encourage the use of heroin if it is that people have an addiction then it is imperative that clean needles are always used and it is for that reason that needle exchanges are available."