A FORMER soldier died after taking heroin for the first time, an inquest heard yesterday.

Simon Million, 34, died of a drugs overdose at the Bury Guest House, in Newton Aycliffe, last November.

His brother John Million told the hearing, held at Bishop Auckland police station, that Simon was not a drug user but did binge drink when he felt down, often because he knew he was adopted.

His mother, Mary, said her son lived with her in Spennymoor until a few days before his death when she told him she disapproved of his drinking and both agreed he needed his independence back.

She said his depression worsened during a difficult relationship break-up.

That and difficulty adjusting to civilian life had caused him to turn to alcohol to try to block out his problems.

David Brown, who found Mr Million dead in the room they shared at the guesthouse, said he did not know him to take illegal drugs.

Drugs found in Mr Million's blood included his prescription anti-depressants, diazapan that belonged to Mr Brown and fatal levels of morphine - a form of heroin.

Deputy Coroner Kenneth Howe recorded a verdict of death due to non-dependent abuse of drugs.