A BOLTON man who suffered from addiction issues on and off for years died as a result of a drug related death after falling out with his wife, an inquest heard.

Former railway worker Paul Howarth died at a property on Westley Court, Westhoughton, on June 5 last year, aged 47.

Bolton Coroner’s Court heard after getting into an argument with his wife the day before he died, he went to stay at a friend’s house in Westhoughton.

Darren Moss, who was at the property with Paul that night, said he had been smoking crack cocaine and heroin, as well as joints of cannabis the evening he died.

He said: “Paul’s breathing became low, and he fell asleep in the living room sat up on the couch.”

Area coroner for Manchester West, Alan Walsh, recorded a conclusion of drug-related death.

Toxicologist Julie Walsh reported there were traces of cocaine, morphine and cannabis all in his system.

Though the levels of drugs in his system were not necessarily that expected for a typical overdose, she added, it was noted tolerance levels can decrease after long periods of abstinence.

His wife, Diane Howarth, confirmed Paul had suffered on and off with addiction-related issues for years.

He could go years without taking anything, she said, but would often revert back to the habit in times of stress.

She added: “Paul was a very popular man. His problems were in relation to drugs and, in particular, heroin. He would dabble in it when he was suffering from stress.”

Before lockdown, he was clean for 12 months, she added.

Det Sgt David Henshaw of Greater Manchester Police, who attended the address at the time of Paul’s death, said: "Paul was examined by officers and there was no evidence of any third-party involvement.”

Traces of cocaine, cannabinoids and diazepam were found in blood and urine samples taken from the deceased following a post-mortem examination.