A MAN died at his address in Sherborne as a result of a heroin overdose, an inquest heard.

Nicholas Reynell, aged 58, died on October 8 2019 at St Paul’s Flat.

Mr Reynell lived alone and suffered from schizophrenia, senior coroner for Dorset Rachael Griffin said.

He was his mother’s carer from 2000 until her death in June 2012. Mr Reynell’s bereavement was then compounded by the sudden death of his close friend in 2018.

Since his friend’s death he had been living alone.

Ms Griffin told the inquest: “Mr Reynell was an intelligent, caring and generous gentleman who was known to misuse heroin.

“From the evidence he was known to smoke it, at the time leading up to his death his friends indicate he had been drug-free.

“On the evening of October 5 he was found to be in good spirits.”

Ms Griffin said a neighbour visited on October 8 and found Mr Reynell collapsed in an armchair in an unresponsive condition.

She continued: “From the evidence I am satisfied there is no evidence of third party involvement.

“Certain elements of drug paraphernalia found but nothing found at his address to suggest he intended to end his life.”

A statement from DI Dawn Barrett said police were advised of an unexpected death on October 8 shortly before 3pm.

There was no sign of injury, damage or a break in and it was clear Mr Reynell had been deceased for some time.

A post mortem carried out found Mr Reynell died of 1A heroin overdose. Toxicology reports found the presence of morphine.

Ms Griffin added: “It is clear that he died because of his misuse of drugs, the heroin he took was of his own volition.

“Mr Reynell died on October 8 at his home address and his death was drug related.”