A MAN who suffered from mental health and drug problems died after he "misjudged" a dosage of heroin, an inquest heard.

Jonathan Varley had just started turning his life around after seven years of struggles, Bradford Coroner's Court was told yesterday.

The 20-year-old died on January 19, 2013, a month after he had moved out of supported living in Allerton and into his own flat in Cliffe Gardens, Shipley. He was found at the property by his mum Julie Varley.

His family, including Mrs Varley, raised concerns at the inquest about why Jonathan was allowed to make that move.

Mrs Varley, who has been investigating her son's death for more than two years, said: "I never thought it was in his best interests but I thought I had to give him some independence and to try to find his own way."

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The inquest heard that Mr Varley was a happy and sociable youngster, but that he had started to feel self-conscious when he was in year eight. Aged 14 he developed emotional behaviour problems, the court was told.

He was twice admitted to Lynfield Mount hospital after taking an overdose of paracetamol and also trying to hang himself.

Mr Varley moved into supported living accommodation in Allerton, but broke the 'no alcohol' rule and a decision was made to move him to his own flat.

Bradford Coroner Martin Fleming said: "Jonathan sent a letter of appeal against the decision, but as the year went on he became reconciled with the move and was looking forward to a fresh start."

Kelly Barker, a community mental health nurse who worked with Jonathan, said: "We felt he was getting to a stage where he was more future-focused."

The court heard that Jonathan used heroin recreationally, and was not an addict.

Mr Fleming concluded the inquest with a narrative verdict which said: "It was found he had taken fatal concentrations of heroin. The cause of death was heroin use contributed to by tramadol and methadone.

"When he took the heroin perhaps he had lost tolerance to it and misjudged the toxic amount with fatal consequences."

Mr Fleming added: "I've heard that Jonathan was a much-loved son, well-liked, polite, witty and sociable. He was a very generous and loving young man.

"But during the last seven years of his life he did struggle with mental health problems. Extreme emotions clouded his sense of reality."

After the hearing, Mrs Varley said: "I have worked hard to make sure lessons are learned. I want people to see Jonathan as a person.

"He never took heroin until the very end. We feel it was the tramadol that got him. We hope this does not happen to anyone else, or any other families."

Mrs Varley also highlighted the Mayday Bereavement Group, which was set up in the wake of her son's death. It provides support for those bereaved by the loss of a loved one through substance misuse. For more information on the group, contact Mary on 07533 043352.