A BUILDER was found dead in his flat by his brother who climbed in through a window when he failed to turn up for work.

At an inquest this week in Leigh Coroner Jennifer Leeming recorded that Jason Coleman, 28, of Siddow Common, Leigh died accidentally from a drugs overdose.

Jason's brother Shaun Coleman discovered his body after climbing through a window in his flat when he did not answer the door.

Shaun said: "There was no answer but his bike was there behind the door so you could tell he was in."

He found Jason collapsed on the floor and called an ambulance.

On September 14 Jason had met up with friend Paul Hilton at the Bedford Village Club where they stayed until around 2am. They then went round to the house of a friend of Mr Hilton, Roxy Bates, until about 6am. Jason then went home.

Drinking

Both Mr Hilton and Miss Bates said they had not seen Jason take drugs but they did say he had been drinking -- although he was not so drunk that he was falling down.

Pathologist Dr Stephen Mills who carried out a post mortem was not able to tell at what time Jason took the overdose.

The post mortem found Jason had taken a fatal overdose of Ecstasy. Dr Mills said some alcohol was found in his blood but it was below the legal drink-drive limit. Morphine was also present in the blood - although this was not at a fatal level.

Dr Mills said alcohol makes the effects of Ecstasy more potent.

At the inquest at Leigh Town Hall, Jason's mother Maureen Arkwright confirmed Jason had undergone problems with heroin for about three years and in July last year had gone for de-toxication at Prestwich Hospital.

At the time of his death his family believed he was not taking drugs.

Mrs Arkwright said: "Everyone was trying to give him support. He went to work with his dad and brothers in the building trade. As far as we knew he was trying his best . He really wanted to get off heroin."

She added that she was surprised Jason had taken Ecstasy.

Coroner Mrs Leeming said she was sure the overdose was an accident.

Mrs Leeming said: "I am certain he never intended to take his own life. I think it is very sad it should have happened when he was making such an effort with his family round him supporting him."

Verdict: Accidental death.