A ‘hazardous’ combination of methadone and heroin led to the death of Sarah Jane Tagart.

The 27-year-old, of Spa Road, was found dead in her top floor flat with a syringe in her hand on April 23. It is believed she had been there for several days.

The cause of her death was described at an inquest last year when the court heard that Jonathan Tagart’s mum contacted police because she was concerned about her daughter-in-law.Police officers arrived at the address and broke down the door, the inquest heard, and found Mrs Tagart dead with a syringe in her right thigh and one in her hand.

Drug paraphernalia including syringes of various sizes, torn plastic bags and pieces of foil were found in her flat.

Mrs Tagart, a cashier, was known for having a history of drug abuse, having been addicted to heroin for 10 years, and had been attending sessions at the Community Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (CADAS) since May 2008. She had previously been convicted of stealing three sets of underwear worth £30 from Peacocks Stores in Weymouth whilst already on a conditional discharge.

The coroner said that the use of drugs had ‘taken over her life’.

A verdict of unexpected cause from the use of illicit drugs was recorded.