A METHADONE user was discovered lying dead on his bed with tissue paper stuck up his nose and a can of deodorant close to his body, an inquest heard.

Conrad Marshall, of the Old Tea Warehouse hostel, Amersham Hill, High Wycombe, was found dead by Sophie Price, a housing support officer, at the Wycombe District Council accommodation complex, on July 4.

Although evidence initially pointed to solvent abuse, his post-mortem examination showed only low levels of methadone in his blood, consistent with his prescribed medicine.

There was no significant intake of heroin, solvents or alcohol, Amersham Coroner's Court heard on December 5.

Mr Marshall died while he was unconscious after his lungs became blocked with bits of food.

Richard Hulett, coroner for Buckinghamshire, said: "I have seen this happen after some drug taking which is no longer detectable.

"They can be in a deep sleep, if not unconscious, and they can rapidly get pneumonia and die from it."

The 39-year-old former intravenous drug-user had not been in his room for very long before his body was found.

Miss Price said: "He usually spoke to me, he was one of the most talkative residents.

"I saw him earlier that evening, he seemed normal but I did not see him for long.

"He didn't come over to talk to me that night."

She added: "There was tissue up his right nostril and I saw a can of pink ladies' deodorant on his bed."

Because the post mortem report was inconclusive, Mr Hulett recorded an open verdict.