In a statement to Norfolk Coroner’s Court, his son, Harry, had been with him that evening and described him as being “in good spirits”.

He said: “I have seen dad grab a handful of ecstasy tablets from the table and then put them into his mouth and swallow them.

“There were roughly 15 tablets, and dad potentially consumed around 10 tablets in one go.”

Norfolk Coroner's Court in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley) The court heard that the 55-year-old retired engineer had said “they are pants” before picking them up and “chewing on them”.

He then kicked his son out of his flat and locked the door.

His son went for help and returned with two of his brothers -........

© Eastern Daily Press