Anthony Shepherd (48), of 76 Bridge Street, Fakenham, had abused drugs for nearly 30 years and was found dead on his kitchen floor on December 31 last year.

His friend of ten years, Lorraine Page, told the inquest she and Mr Shepherd had shared a close relationship on and off, but around the time of his death they had been friends and she had visited his flat on several occasions.

Mr Shepherd had been abusing drugs since the age of 19 and mainly used heroin.

His drug use had led to mental health problems and he had become reclusive, rarely venturing out, the inquest heard.

She visited him on December 29 last year and stayed with him when he became unwell.

The next day Mr Shepherd was feeling better and she bought him four cans of beer, she said.

On December 31 she realised he was not in bed and found him on the kitchen floor.

She knew something was wrong and dialled 999, but he had died.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Greater Norfolk coroner William Armstrong said Mr Shepherd died from a drug overdose after taking too much heroin in circumstances which were "reckless."