A REDDITCH man died as the result of the abuse of drugs, the coroner for Worcestershire has ruled.

Carl Andrew Merriman, aged 53, was found dead at his home in Beoley Road West, Redditch, on February 2.

The coroner's court heard that he had taken a number of drugs, including dihydrocodeine, methadone and diazepam.

The inquest into Mr Merriman's death was opened on February 8 and was closed on April 4.