A 'BRILLIANT and funny' son and brother was found dead at his home after taking drugs, an inquest heard.

Robert McKay, 37, of St Peter’s Road in Basingstoke, was found unresponsive on his sofa by police and paramedics on July 21, 2021.

An inquest into his death at Winchester Coroner's Court on Tuesday, September 6, heard that he died due to a "combination of multiple drugs”.

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His mother, who was referred to as Ms Hamilton, paid tribute to him describing him as “brilliant, funny and happy”.

The inquest was told that he had suffered from a history of alcohol and drug abuse, had spent some time in prison, and had previously been homeless.

Hampshire police were called to his home following reports that a man had died.

PC James Newson said: “I did know of Robert through my work in carrying out patrols in Basingstoke and I never had any negative involvement with him.

“I arrived at the address and another unit had already arrived. Following my search of the property, I found empty wrappers of what I believed to be Class A drugs and foil with burnt marks. All the items were seized."

PC Newson confirmed that another man was arrested at the address, but no action was taken. He also confirmed he was later told the items seized were not Class A drugs.

The inquest also heard eyewitnesses claimed that McKay’s body had been moved but PC James Newson told the court that although he knew colleagues undertook inquiries, he was not aware of what conversations were had.

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Area coroner Jason Pegg concluded that Mr McKay cause of death as a misuse of drugs.

He said: “Rob has been described by his mother as being brilliant, funny, and happy. He is someone who changed when he lost his children, and he also spent a year in prison.

“He was also homeless for some time and to an extent was looked after by his brother and we have heard that he blamed himself for his father’s death. He found himself on the streets and he turned to drugs.

“It seems he took the drugs elsewhere and others decided to take him back to his home address and this is where police attended.

“It seems to me that he was a much-loved son and drugs had sadly taken a hold of him.”