THE GRIM discovery of the body of Ipswich man Derek Finlayson was made by a cleaner, an inquest heard.The 28-year-old died from an overdose of heroin and anti-depressants at the Salvation Army Hostel in Fore Street.

THE GRIM discovery of the body of Ipswich man Derek Finlayson was made by a cleaner, an inquest heard.

The 28-year-old died from an overdose of heroin and anti-depressants at the Salvation Army Hostel in Fore Street.

Coroner Peter Dean recorded an open verdict into the death of London born Derek Anderson, who adopted the name of Finlayson, and had a history of drug abuse and depression.

Finlayson stayed at the hostel seven months last year and for a short period this year where he was described by Malcolm Ford, assistant centre manager at the hostel, as: "Always polite to the staff, friendly and kept himself to himself."

Prior to his death received treatment at St Clements Hospital but discharged himself two days before he died on September 5. In the intervening days appeared quiet and withdrawn.

An incident took place on a Saturday night where he was thought he would go to prison as a result. He talked to hostel staff of concerns, although Mr Ford said there was never any suggestion of self-harm. After his death police officer investigating the case ruled out foul play.

In a report by Finlayson's GP said his patient had mental and behavioural disorders because of multi-drug use. Finlayson had used drugs such as heroin, ecstasy, speed and alcohol since the age of 16-years.

Coroner Peter Dean said Finlayson had a history of accidental overdoses including one in August.

There was evidence of the possibility of suicidal intent in the past but to record a verdict of suicide he needed evidence beyond all reasonable doubt.

"The possibility remains it could have been an accidental overdose…the strength of the heroin he had taken was not known and Finlayson had no way of knowing this either.

"…he had worries about going back to prison but there is no evidence of suicidal intent beyond all reasonable doubt."

Coroner Dr Peter Dean recorded an open verdict into the death of Ipswich man Paul Perkins who was found face downwards on the floor of his living room.

Paramedics and police were alerted after a friend, Nicholas Palmer, went round to 44-year-old Perkin's home in Yew Tree Rise in September where he discovered the body.

He felt uneasy after seeing the lights still on at his house and after trying his door and mobile phone he dialled the emergency services and used a breeze block to break in.

Paramedics arrived and a police investigated the death which was not being treated as suspicious.

The verdict was recorded as there was no evidence of foul play and no obvious cause of death.