A HEARTBROKEN Poole mother has warned heroin users they are dicing with death after her only child died from an overdose.

Elaine Mitchener said: "My son's death will not have been in vain if it makes even one lad like him stop and think about the possible consequences of their actions."

At a Bournemouth inquest into Simon Langmead's death on Thursday, a coroner warned that mixing prescribed drugs with illicit substances and alcohol was a lethal cocktail.

The hearing heard how Simon, 27, Mrs Mitchener's only child from a previous marriage, was found dead in his flat on September 13.

Friends recalled how he had stopped smoking heroin after moving to Rockley Road, Hamworthy, earlier this year. He had earlier been prescribed anti-depressants following the break-up of his marriage.

Friend Colin Draper said: "When I last saw Simon he was full of life and happy to get away from heroin."

Another friend, John Sim-monds, said: "People had been using Simon. When they needed prescription drugs they gave him heroin in exchange.

"Since moving to Rockley Road he was different - more positive and energetic."

Flatmate Adam Makin recalled coming home on September 12 to find Mr Lang-mead asleep on the settee. He went to work early the next day and called an ambulance when he returned to find that Mr Langmead hadn't moved.

In a statement, Peter Monger, who was with Simon on September 12 and has since died, denied taking drugs with him. But he admitted writing a note saying Simon had overdosed before leaving the property without raising the alarm.

DI Gary Smith said there was evidence that heroin had been smoked at the flat.

"Mr Monger was interviewed twice. He maintained that neither he nor Simon had taken controlled drugs at the flat.

"I had my considerable suspicions and sought advice but there was no evidence to support a manslaughter charge."

A post-mortem examination showed Mr Langmead had died from a morphine overdose. Tests revealed he had also taken therapeutic levels of prescribed drugs and alcohol.

Recording an open verdict, East Dorset Deputy Coroner Mr Jonathon Morrissey said: "Taking prescribed drugs and mixing them with illicit drugs and alcohol is inherently dangerous."

Fighting back tears, Mrs Mitchener, 50, of Meadowsweet Road, Creekmoor, said: "We were very close. As well as being my son, Simon was my best friend.

"I'm the first to admit he was no angel but, for the first time in years, he was happy and determined to turn his life around.

"Simon was my life, my love, my laughter and I miss him more than words can say."