A WINCHESTER drug addict died after overdosing on a lethal mix of painkillers and alcohol, an inquest heard.

Lawrence Smith, who had battled alcoholism for two decades and had a series of heart attacks, strokes and medical complaints, was found at his home last June.

The 47-year-old was more than four times over the drink-drive limit and had also drunk significant amounts of liquid codeine.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard Mr Smith had told a drugs support worker he had taken crack cocaine, speed, heroin and cannabis in the past. He made good progress controlling his drinking in 2008 but had disengaged with the community drug and alcohol advisory service last year.

Jose Jesus, a neighbour of Mr Smith's at Frances Sheldon Court near Winchester university, said his friend had suffered an epileptic fit hours before his death. Mr Jesus said the drug addict had fallen over and banged his head on Sparkford Road but had refused hospital treatment.

Mr Jesus had visited his neighbour's flat around 11.30pm on June 29 to find him with his head between his legs and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead in the early hours of the following day.

Grahame Short, coroner for central Hampshire, recording a verdict of accidental death, said: "Both the alcohol and painkillers would have depressed his brain function."

Mr Short added the earlier fall had not contributed to his death and that he had not suffered another fit.