A binman with a history of drug abuse was found dead at home following concern for his welfare, an inquest heard.

Darren Dickson, 35, was found slumped in his bed at his home in Darenth Court, Hamble Road, Didcot, when police forced their way into his home on March 11.

The inquest at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday heard that Mr Dickson had not been seen or heard from for about six weeks.

Drug paraphernalia was found in the kitchen and bedroom.

A letter dated January 9 was found opened in the flat and the earliest postmarked post was January 14.

In a statement read to the court, consultant pathologist Sanjiv Manek said he found 1,400 micrograms per litre of blood of morphine in the body, indicating heroin use.

The inquest heard 200-500mg is commonly seen in fatalities.

In a statement, Mr Dickson’s brother Lee Dickson recalled his last meeting with his brother in January: “He told me he was about to start rehab to help him get off the drugs.” A verdict of drug-related death was recorded.