A heroin addict on temporary release from prison was found collapsed in the bedroom of his home last Christmas Day, Dublin City Coroner's Court heard yesterday. He was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived at the Mater Hospital.
A post-mortem showed Michael Purtill (29), of Gloucester Place, Dublin, died of a combination overdose of methadone, heroin and benzodiazophines in conjunction with a small amount of alcohol.
His mother, Ms Margaret Purtill, broke down in the witness box and was unable to give evidence. Her deposition read to the court said her son was sentenced to prison in 1991 and was due for release this year. He was allowed home last Christmas on temporary release. He was found collapsed in his bedroom on Christmas morning by his sister. The jury of six women recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.