IPSWICH: A drug addict, who committed more than 280 offences, died from a heroin-induced heart attack just days after being released from prison for shoplifting.

Karl Sheringham, 37, was found dead with a needle in his leg at his flat in Foundation Street, Ipswich, on March 19 this year, a court heard.

An inquest held on Tuesday at Ip-City in Bath Street, Ipswich, was told Mr Sheringham’s friend, Philip Green, and neighbour Carol Head became concerned about him after his mother called to say she had not heard from him for a couple of days.

There was no answer at the door of his Maritime Court flat, but they could see him inside, so Mr Green forced open the door.

The pair found Mr Sheringham, who was originally from Bromley in Kent, slumped on the sofa with a needle sticking out of his calf.

They called an ambulance, but paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem found the cause of death was a heart attack caused by toxic levels of heroin.

Suffolk coroner Dr Peter Dean revealed that the deceased’s GP confirmed he was a known heroin user

Dr Dean said: “The very sad death of Karl Sheringham emphasises the extreme dangers associated with the use of drugs like heroin.”

Mr Sheringham had been released from prison shortly before his death after receiving a 90-day jail sentence – of which he was expected to serve around 45 days – in February for stealing from charity shop Age UK.

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