A homeless man died of a heroin overdose in the toilets of a backpackers' hostel two weeks after being released from Bullingdon prison.

Darren Nugent, 32, of no fixed address, was found by a cleaner at the Oxford Backpackers' Hostel, Hythe Bridge Street, on May 21.

He was slumped beside a hypodermic needle and a spoon in a cubicle, an inquest was told yesterday.

Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner was told Mr Nugent was a registered heroin addict who had undergone rehabilitation during his time in Bullingdon prison, near Bicester. He was released on May 5 and had stayed at the Oxford hostel after his release.

Pathologist Dr Brian Warren said the cause of death was a drugs overdose.

Mr Nugent's lungs were congested and his brain was swollen.

Alcohol and high levels of morphine, heroin and a tranquilliser were found in his blood.

Det Sgt Ian Richings, who investigated the death, said: "I was in no doubt that Darren had injected himself.

"I did not come across anything consistent with suggesting he had intended to kill himself."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Gardiner said: "On the evidence, I am quite satisfied that Mr Nugent administered heroin to himself in the toilet at the backpackers' hostel.

"I can see no evidence to suggest that Mr Nugent had intended to take his own life."