A MAN with a history of cocaine problems and depression died only hours after taking a lethal dose of the heroin substitute methadone, an inquest heard.

Anthony Pye, of Linden Road, Colne, was found by a friend lying on the sofa in his flat on September 5 last year.

The 42-year-old was discovered at around 8am by Elizabeth Waddington, who had fallen asleep in the flat the previous night after taking Temazepam.

An ambulance was called, but Mr Pye was pronounced dead at the scene.

The inquest, yesterday at Burnley Magistrates Court, heard from his mother Freda Pye, who said her son was against the use of methadone and after receiving treatment for depression for two years Mr Pye was in good spirits in the days before his death.

Consultant pathologist Dr Walid Salman conducted a post-mortem examination.

He told the court Mr Pye had taken methadone three to four hours before his death and he also had levels of cocaine, cannabis and sleeping pills in his body.

He concluded the cause of death was the methadone and the presence of the other drugs contributed to his death.

East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of accidental death.