Ben Downes was found by his long-term partner having died at home in Norwich on August 14 last year.

An inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard how the 41-year-old roofer had struggled with illicit drug addiction since the age of 17.

But after his partner Tamzin Chambers – who he had been with for 20 years – became pregnant with their son, everything changed.

An inquest was held into the death of Norwich roofer, Ben Downes (Image: www.dignityfunerals.co.uk)In a statement read to the court, based at County Hall, Miss Chambers paid tribute to him.

She said: “Before his son was born, drugs were a big part of daily life, but once he came along, there was a drastic change.

“He started to live what was a good, happy and normal life being around family and non-drug using friends more and enjoyed bringing our son up.

“Ben was a natural daddy and much-loved by our son. Our son truly changed our world.”

Miss Chambers went on to describe how Mr Downes made “several attempts” to get clean from drugs.

© Norwich Evening News