A DRUG addict who descended into a life of drug dependency and crime was trying to get help from the NHS when he died.

The inquest into the death of Allister Elsey, 41, opened at Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford on Thursday.

Mr Elsey died in Long Riding, Basildon on October 29 last year.

Coroner’s officer Alan Clements told the court that Mr Elsey had a history of previous overdoses and had a dependency on heroin and had used heroin, cocaine and cannabis.

He said: “Mr Elsey was found unresponsive in his home. Near him were many items of drug paraphernalia.

“A post mortem examination found the cause of death to be heroin and morphine toxicity.”

Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Elsey’s mother, partner and daughter attended the inquest.

His mother, Elizabeth Elsey, said he had been trying to “turn his life around”.

She said: “He was going to be going on holiday in the week we had his funeral.

“I would like to say I’m very unhappy with the NHS, they never gave him an assessment for his condition, but he felt he needed it. We asked them if they would give him an appointment, and they came back with a date which would have been far too late. We said that to them.

“My son would never take his own life. He was trying to turn his life around.”

Senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded the a conclusion of a drugs related death.

Addressing the family, she said: “He was clearly was very much loved and I am sure you did all you could to help him. I hope you can think of all the happy memories you had with him. I express sympathy to you.”

A spokesman for Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group said: “We cannot comment on the individual cases of any patients. The care and wellbeing of our patients is paramount and we always respond to any complaints. If family members are unhappy with the care received, they should write to us. We will then be able to advise them and investigate their concerns.”