Andrew Mendham (46) had also shared a litre of vodka with brother, Darren, before they took the drugs at the property on Foundry Terrace.

Nottinghamshire's deputy assistant coroner Stephanie Haskey said: "Although he (Andrew) had taken drugs without tragic consequences before, sadly the combined effects of alcohol and heroin meant his body couldn't cope and he died."

Darren Mendham told the hearing last week how his brother had taken heroin in the past and had been taking amphetamines. He also regularly drank excessively.

The pair met up on 21st July last year and drank the vodka before heading to Mansfield –– where they planned to catch a train to Newstead to visit a friend.

But they were late and decided to go to a nearby pub and both drank two pints of beer. Darren Mendham said his brother suggested they get some drugs and he agreed.

The inquest was told that Andrew Mendham, of Henton Road, went to a 'well known' area near Mansfield bus station to deal for the heroin. He and his brother then returned to the train station and headed for Newstead.

'Shaking'

When they arrived at the friend's house, the pair went upstairs and the latter prepared the drugs. Darren Mendham told the inquest he did this because his brother 'had a habit of shaking' and he 'didn't want the drugs to go everywhere'. They then injected themselves while sitting on a bed.

The inquest was told how Andrew Mendham seemed OK until he stood up and was shaky on his feet.

Said Darren Mendham: "I've seen him in that state too many times. He was wobbling about so I laid him down in the spare bedroom and he was snoring. I did not think much of it. It did not seem out of the norm."

Darren Mendham said he checked his brother every 10 to 20 minutes and was about to take the dog for a walk when he decided to check him once more. He found his brother had gone blue and was not breathing.

Darren Mendham checked for a pulse and realised 'something was very wrong'. An ambulance was called, but nothing could be done.

Det Con John Sails, who investigated the case, told the inquest that drugs paraphernalia was found at the house and that there were needle marks in Andrew Mendham's arm.

There was no evidence that anyone else was involved and he confirmed Andrew Mendham had not suffered any violence, with it clear he had taken the drugs himself.

A post-mortem exam revealed levels of heroin, alcohol and prescription drugs in his system –– but it was the heroin that killed him.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Miss Haskey said: "My sympathies go to Andrew's family and friends."