"LET his death be a lesson to other drug users."

Those are the words of a mum after her son was found dead in an area of Hampshire wasteland.

Lucas Hales was discovered near the Embankment Way business park in Ringwood after taking a cocktail of drink and drugs in the days before his death, Winchester Coroners Court heard.

Police officers discovered a loaded needle near the 29-year-old’s body and a wrap of heroin in his pocket, as well as items associated with drug inhalation, after receiving reports of the discovery on the morning of February 7.

The inquest heard that Mr Hales, from Ringwood, had been involved with drugs on and off since he was a teenager.

Frank Hales, Lucas’ dad, said: “It progressed from there. When we put him in The Priory [for rehabilitation] in 2014, they explained he had an addictive personality and he abstained from alcohol because that led on to it.”

The inquest heard a toxicology report found low levels of morphine and cocaine in Mr Hales’ blood as well as high levels of an alcohol by-product.

Mr Hales’ partner, Alixandra Rice, told the inquest that he had gone out drinking on February 3, four days before his body was found.

“We were supposed to go out for dinner but my son was poorly,” said Miss Rice. “We had an argument about him going out because I feared him drinking.”

The inquest heard Mr Hales went out drinking with his cousin. He spent the night at his cousin’s home, before being dropped off in Ringwood the following day.

Miss Rice said she tried to contact Mr Hales several times between February 3 and 7, but could not get hold of him.

He was last seen at the McColl’s store in Hightown Road on February 5 shortly before 10pm.

Senior coroner Grahame Short recorded a conclusion of a drug and alcohol-related death.

In a statement, Mr Hales’ mum Jane said: “Losing our son has destroyed the grandchildren and members of the family.

"I hope this is a lesson learnt for all drug users.

"We miss him so much.”