Norfolk Coroner's Court at County Hall in Norwich (Image: Mike Page)

An inquest heard Darren Ding, 47, died at a flat in Sale Road, Norwich, on December 31, 2025, after using heroin just hours earlier.

His death was caused by opioid toxicity, with infective endocarditis - a serious infection of the heart - compounding the effects of the drugs.

Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard Mr Ding, a mechanic from Quebec Street, Dereham, had a long history of heroin addiction and had undergone life-saving heart surgery only months before his death after intravenous drug use caused extensive damage to his heart.

Friend Wayne Norton told the hearing he had known Mr Ding for around 18 months after meeting him while he was living in a hostel and had allowed him to stay at his home.

Mr Norton said Mr Ding had been staying with him for around three weeks before his death because he had been feeling unwell.

“We watched a film and then went to sleep in the lounge,” he said.

“When I woke up at about 10am I looked across and could see Darren on the other sofa. I knew he........

© Eastern Daily Press