A DRUG-user who had been released from prison died the same day, an inquest heard.

Stephen Griffiths was found making gurgling noises by a friend at another friend's ground floor flat in Lowesmoor, Worcester.

Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said the 39-year old, who had no fixed address, had been released from Gloucester prison earlier the same day.

"He was born in Stoke-on-Trent and a single man," Mr Round said at the County Hall inquest yesterday.

"He was found by a friend in a ground floor flat semi-conscious, making gurgling noises.

"He was alive when his friend discovered him at Lowesmoor."

Mr Round said Mr Griffiths had a history of drug abuse and would have been assisted by St Paul's hostel in Worcester if he had lived.

The coroner said Mr Griffiths, who died on Tuesday, July 16, was found with needle marks on his left arm and drug taking paraphernalia.

"We don't have the cause of death yet," added Mr Round.

The inquest was adjourned.