A MAN with a history of drug abuse took his own life after withdrawing from his family and friends, an inquest heard.

Michael Longstaff, 29, was found hanged at his home in Olympic Street, Darlington, on September 10 last year.

An inquest into his death, held at Crook Coroners Court, heard Mr Longstaff had taken to using crack cocaine in an attempt to deal with problems in his life.

His brother, Christopher, told the inquest: “In the weeks leading up to his death he cut himself off from everyone who loved him and he wouldn’t answer calls or texts.”

A post mortem examination found therapeutic amounts of prescription medication and traces of cocaine in Mr Longstaff’s body, but no alcohol.

Coroner Andrew Tweddle noted that Mr Longstaff had acted with deliberation and had left a suicide note.

He recorded a verdict of suicide.