A 30st man was found dead surrounded by used needles after using heroin, an inquest heard.

James Britcher, who was bed-bound for the last three years of his life, died at his mother's house in West Street, Wrotham.

At the hearing, coroner for north west Kent, Roger Hatch, was told the 34-year-old had lived with his mum, Gillian Coburn, for several years.

She had become his primary carer when his "morbid obesity" left him unable to get out of bed.

DS Stuart Cook, from Kent Police, said Ms Coburn had heard her son shouting out in the early hours of Saturday, August 16 but thought he may have been dreaming.

She checked on him several times after he complained of suffering hot and cold flushes but when Ms Coburn returned to her son's room for a third time, he was lying very still. She checked for a pulse and thought she felt him swallow.

"He had a horrible last three years of his life. He couldn't do anything. It was horrible..." - Gillian Coburn

After becoming concerned again, she called an ambulance at 9.30am. When crews arrived around 10am, they pronounced Mr Britcher dead.

A post-mortem carried out by pathologist Dr David Fish recorded the cause of death as respiratory depression due to morbid obesity and drugs.

DS Cook, who did not attend the scene but was speaking at the inquest on behalf of the attending officer, said Mr Britcher's room was dirty with drug paraphernalia scattered around.

He added: "There were needles on the floor, in a pint glass of water next to the bed, on the bedside table. We also found two loaded syringes, several pouches with needles and antiseptic wipes in, a carrier bag full of used needles and two spoons.

"There were ash trays and dozens of prescription medication boxes found around the room."

At yesterday's hearing, Mr Hatch was also told neighbours had described a white BMW visiting the house often, believed to have been involved with drug dealing.

Due to feeling unwell, Mr Britcher had not eaten three days prior to his death and was suffering from repetitive hot and cold flushes.

DS Cook said the crime scene investigator described clear signs of bed sores on Mr Britcher's legs and obvious signs of drug use, but did not label the death as suspicious.

Mr Hatch was also told Mr Britcher was suffering from a hernia which was getting worse.

DS Cook said Ms Coburn was aware her son was a heroin user and that the police investigation concluded cause of death was a drug overdose or failing ill health.

Speaking after the inquest, Ms Coburn said: "He had a horrible last three years of his life. He couldn't do anything. It was horrible."

Mr Hatch said Mr Britcher's health had clearly been spiralling down and ruled he died due to health problems, exacerbated by drug misuse.

He recorded cause of death as misadventure at Gravesend Old Town Hall.