A CORONER recorded a verdict of misadventure yesterday on a teenager who collapsed and died after taking ecstasy.

Crispin Oliver, deputy coroner for Durham, said Gareth Perkins took a lethal dose of the Class A drug before he died early on Sunday, October 23, last year.

The death of the 18-yearold, of Lightfoot Terrace, Ferryhill, County Durham, prompted police to issue warnings over rogue ecstasy pills.

Detective Sergeant Warren Halls told yesterday’s inquest that two people who have been charged with drug offences were linked to the investigation.

However, he told Chester-le- Street Magistrates’ Court that there was nothing to indicate the two men had supplied any kind of drugs to Mr Perkins.

Det Sgt Halls said the day prior to his death, Class A drugs had been supplied in Mr Perkins’ house and that ecstasy had been left on his table.

A toxicology report found Mr Perkins, who was also known as Forster, had consumed ecstasy “of levels associated with fatality” as well as cannabis and alcohol.

Mr Oliver said: “This is obviously quite a troubling case because it involves a sad and untimely death of someone who is very young in circumstances that can only be described as tragic and involving drugs.

“It’s all the more hurtful for the family to have to deal with it and listen to how it happened.”

Meanwhile, Michael Briggs, 19, of North Street, Ferryhill, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis at Durham Crown Court on Monday, March 12.

The court heard he was of previous good character and he received a 12-month supervision order with 100 hours unpaid work.

Sentencing him, Judge Christopher Prince said: “You have come before the court because a friend of yours died from taking drugs.

“You are not responsible for that. A lot of people take drugs and a lot of harm can be caused.

“You were a user who exchanged drugs with other people among your associates.

“It is a wise decision if what I hear is right that you are no longer taking drugs any more and I suggest you keep away from them in future.”

Kyle Wilkinson, of All Saints Road, Shildon, County Durham, denied being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, between October 19 and 24, last year.

The 19-year-old appeared before Durham Crown Court, on Monday, and is expected to stand trial in the week commencing May 14.