Inquest told Shrewsbury man died from GHB drug

A Shrewsbury man found dead in his bedroom died from the effects of the drug GHB, an inquest has heard.

Today the family of Gareth Jones urged others not to use the drug.

Mr Jones, 29, was found in the house in Bridgeford Way, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, last October.

Toxicology tests discovered large amounts of the Class C drug GHB.

His stepfather Clive Griffiths said the family did not want to see any other deaths caused by the drug.

"Nothing can bring Gareth back or help our family. We can only hope that his death will make others stop using this drug," he said.

Coroner for Mid and North Shropshire Mr John Ellery said: "Anyone thinking of using this drug should think twice."

The inquest heard that Mr Jones died while his mother Wendy and stepfather were on holiday.

His two friends Ian Evans and Robert Birch said they had seen him at his home on the night of October 4. They both told the inquest he had been "on something".

Mr Evans said: "We sort of got used to how he acted on the stuff."

Mr Birch said he had left Mr Jones's home on the morning of October 5. He said: "He was lying on the floor of his bedroom but he was snoring and I just th-ought he would sleep it off."

Unable to contact him by phone, the two men returned to the house the following day and found him dead.

The coroner read medical evidence that GHB was used legally as medication. But he said: "It has been used for about 10 to 15 years illegally for its euphoric effect.

"However it can cause sedation, respiratory depression and death."

Detective Constable Karen Walton of West Mercia Police told the inquest there was a specific problem with the drug in Shropshire and said she knew no reason why, other than it was readily available.

She said the police were working to cut the use of the drug and had targeted GHB known users and potential suppliers.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Ellery endorsed the police campaign and said: "If any good at all can come out of Gareth's death it is to alert people to the dangers of the drug."

By Sue Austin