A MUM is warning of the dangers of taking drugs after her son died from asphyxiation.

It was only the first or second time 38-year-old Lee Ireland had taken heroin on October 3, but he was found collapsed on the sofa of his Chorley Old Road flat having breathed in vomit whilst unconscious.

An inquest in Bolton heard how former labourer and eBay seller Mr Ireland suffered from anxiety and depression, but apart from trying cannabis as a teenager he had not been involved with drugs.

His mum, Ann Ireland, told the court that her son, who gained a degree in psychology, moved into his flat three years ago but never settled, preferring to spend much of his time at his girlfriend, Sharon Naylor’s home.

She added that she and his grandmother used to see him almost every day, but shortly before his death his behaviour changed and she believed he was trying to avoid them.

Ms Naylor became concerned when he did not arrive at her home on October 3 and she went to his flat.

“I had a gut feeling something wasn’t right,” she said.

Attempts by paramedics to revive the Bolton Wanderers fan failed.

“Lee was a wonderful person and I loved him very much,” she said.

Pathologist Angelia Ong told the court that the drugs would have depressed the coughing reflex and Mr Ireland would have been unable to clear his own airway. She added that heroin and alcohol had a more toxic effect on him as he was not a regular user.

Senior coroner Jennifer Leeming recorded a conclusion of accidental death arising out of the use of alcohol and drugs.

Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Ireland described her 6ft 4in tall son as a “gentle giant” and plans to install a memorial bench at the Old Links golf course where he enjoyed walking.

And she warned: “We didn’t have a clue he was taking drugs. It can happen to anybody.”