A MAN died as a result of drug abuse just a day after being released from prison, an inquest heard.

Peter Roland McNally had been released from Durham Prison on Tuesday, February 11 after serving four months in custody for dishonesty offences.

The 29-year-old, of no fixed abode, and another man were found unwell in Saltwell Park, Gateshead, around noon the next day.

He was initially taken to hospital in Gateshead then transferred to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham city, where he died of brain injuries due to intravenous drug use.

Det Sgt Craig Metcalfe, of Northumbria police, said Mr McNally was known to police because of a history of theft and drug and alcohol problems.

He said: “Unfortunately like so many his release into the community put him back in touch with criminal associates.

“We stringly believe illicit drugs were consumed very quickly.”

Coroner Andrew Tweddle, sitting at Crook Civic Centre, concluded Mr McNally died a drug related death.