THE family of a man who died after taking a heroin overdose had no idea he was using the drug, an inquest heard.

Jonathon Kornas, aged 25, injected the drug at a friend’s house in Langford Gardens, Daubhill.

He was found collapsed by friend Daniel Ashton, who tried to resuscitate him before an ambulance arrived.

Mr Kornas was living with his parents at Hallington Close, Daubhill, and also had a two-year-old son.

Mr Kornas’ father, Simon Skirving, told the inquest: “I was watching football with him and he left at half time. He borrowed a few pounds to put on his electric card.

“He had just sorted a flat in Anfield Road and was in the process of moving in — and that is where he said he was going.

“I had never seen any marks on his arms and he always wore short sleeves.

“He was a fit and keen sportsman and had some problems with alcohol.

“However, I had no knowledge of him taking drugs other than prescribed medication.

“This has been a big shock.

“He leaves a loving child behind and that is some consolation — but I can’t believe I have lost my son.”

The former Thornleigh College pupil had problems with alcohol and had been on a detox programme on two occasions but relapsed.

Bolton Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Kornas had experimented with heroin.

However, he was not a regular user or an addict, which lowered his tolerance level.

Mr Kornas was pronounced dead at the Royal Bolton Hospital on March 23 .

Deputy coroner Alan Walsh recorded a verdict of abuse of heroin.

He said: “A message needs to go out, loud and clear, that anyone who takes heroin places their life in great danger.”