A MAN found dead in the Sovereign Centre car park died of a heroin overdose, an inquest heard.

Trevor Vernon, 40, was found dead by a passer-by in the shopping centre car park on February 18, 2020.

The inquest heard that Mr Vernon, from Albion Road in Christchurch, had been seen drinking with people prior to his death.

He suffered from PTSD and bipolar disorder and had a long-term addiction to heroin, but had been clean for ten years.

A passer-by found Mr Vernon on the ground floor car park. She tried calling out to Mr Vernon but he was unresponsive.

She couldn’t see him breathing and called 999 and paramedics attended.

A post-mortem found levels of morphine exceeding therapeutic use and ethanol levels consistent with intoxication levels which would see people vomit and suffer short-term memory loss.

The post-mortem also found evidence of recreational cocaine use in Mr Vernon’s system, and returned a conclusion that he died of a heroin overdose.

Senior coroner for Dorset Rachael Griffin told the inquest: “Mr Vernon was a gentleman described to me as loving and kind.

“Unfortunately, from the evidence I have considered before me, he was a gentleman who had a number of difficulties.

“He tried is very best to overcome addiction and he sought help from relevant agencies.

“It is clear from the evidence that the cause of death was related to heroin use.

“I am unable to ascertain the circumstances leading up to his death.

“On February 18 he was found in a collapsed and unresponsive condition in the Sovereign Centre car park.”

Ms Griffin said paramedics confirmed his death at the scene

The inquest heard he had a troubled life, with thoughts of suicide 13 to 14 years prior to his death.

Ms Griffin continued: “There is no evidence before me that leading up to his death he did intend to end his life. He was in a happy relationship with his partner who does not believe he meant to die.

“Trevor Vernon died on February 18 at the Sovereign Centre carpark and his death was drug related.”