A MASSIVE brain haemorrhage caused by using a dirty drugs needle killed a young dad four weeks before the birth of his daughter.

An inquest heard that Jason Wilding, aged 35, died on August 29 at Royal Bolton Hospital, a day after he began complaining of feeling unwell.

Tests showed Mr Wilding, of Platt Hill Avenue, Deane, was suffering from an internal infection which caused a blood clot on the brain and led him to slip into a coma.

Doctors told yesterday's hearing at Bolton Coroner's Court that Mr Wilding had been deeply unconscious and that death was inevitable.

Dr Stephen Wells, who carried out the post-mortem examination, said intravenous drug use had caused bacteria to enter his body.

He said: "Just using a dirty needle once could have caused the infection, which would have led him to feel poorly beforehand. Once the haemorrhage happened he would have been more acutely ill."

Coroner Chris Wilton recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

He said: "The infection brought on the embolism which caused his death."

Speaking after the inquest, his partner Caroline Smith, aged 37, said: "His daughter Charlajay was born exactly four weeks after he died.

"He was the kindest and most loving boyfriend you could hope to have.

"He was a wonderful father to his son Jason, who is 13, and also his three step-children."