A CORONER ruled a 36-year-old man died a drug-related death after taking extra illicit substances on top of prescription drugs.

An inquest into the death of Barrow man Marc Westwood took place at Barrow Town Hall yesterday.

The hearing was told Mr Westwood died on August 6 last year and was found at his home in Hood Street by his brother-in-law.

The inquest heard he had struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues for a number of years but was taking steps to turn his life around at the time of his death.

Toxicology reports found a number of substances in his body at the time of his death including methadone, diazapam and cocaine.

In a statement read out at the hearing, Mr Westwood’s brother-in-law, Rory Dixon, was said to have taken his 14-year-old daughter for food at her uncle’s home.

Entering through the open front door of Mr Westwood’s house, the pair were said to have found him slumped over with bruising to his face and a swollen left eye.

Mr Dixon was said to have tried to give Mr Westwood CPR before a first responder arrived at the scene.

The hearing was told a paramedic who arrived later declared Mr Westwood dead just before 10pm on the day.

Coroner Paul O’Donnell ruled Mr Westwood’s death was a drug related one.

He said: “There is a significant danger in supplementing prescription medication with other substances.

“The user loses control of the total effect and the consequences of this can be fatal.

“That meant he lost his life at the tragic age of 36.”

His mother Lynne Westwood said her son ‘loved his family’ and enjoyed playing darts and pool at pubs.

He was born at Risedale Maternity Home in Abbey Road and attended Parkview School.

Mr Westwood was receiving treatment for heroin addiction with Unity and had secured his house through a housing association.

For mental health support you can call Mind on 0300 123 3393.For local advice on drug problems call Cadas on 0300 111 4002.