A DJ who became embroiled in the nightclub industry’s “drug scene” was found dead at home after battling schizophrenia, addiction and natural diseases, an inquest was told.

Bolton Coroners Court heard Paul Roberts was found unresponsive and in a collapsed condition on June 23, 2020 at the Red Lion Apartments on Wigan Road, Westhoughton - following reports of a concern for welfare.

Paramedics arrived at the complex, which is a special facility reserved for people with complex mental health needs, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, aged 53.

PC Caderyn Jones, of Greater Manchester Police, said that there were no suspicious circumstances or evidence of third-party involvement found inside Mr Roberts apartment.

Mr Roberts was one of seven brothers and sisters, who were very tight-knit growing up, the court heard.

He later became diagnosed with schizophrenia and had a number of mental health issues, made worse by long-term illicit drug use.

In his earlier years, he worked as a nightclub DJ - working at various venues in Manchester city centre.

His sister Patricia told the court: “His job got him involved in drugs. He had a number of mental health issues.

“I think that the mental health services as a whole need so much more money put into them. But I don’t think that the people looking after him could have done much more to help him.”

Dr Ravindra Sawant, who conducted a post-mortem examination at Royal Bolton Hospital, gave the primary cause of death as one of heart disease.

Toxicologist Julie Evans found traces of cocaine and prescribed medication in his system - but said these were not “excessive amounts”.

Concluding the inquest, senior coroner Timothy Brennand told the court: “Paul Roberts died due to a combination of naturally occurring diseases, exacerbated by long-term drug misuse. I send my condolences to the family.”