A “MUCH loved” dad died of an accidental drug overdose just a day after being released from prison, an inquest heard.

Tony Burry, 31, was found lying face down on his bed in the Canvey home he shared with his mother and her partner.

He had been collected from Chelmsford Prison on Wednesday, June 8 - the day before he died - and had been spending time playing with his young son and arranging work.

His mother Sharon Burry and her partner David May told Chelmsford Coroner’s Court he seemed happy and positive about the future.

On the day of his death Mr Burry, who was prescribed methadone during his time in prison, went upstairs to his bedroom at about 5.30pm.

He spoke to a neighbour out of the window, who said he looked unwell.

Just 30 minutes later Mr Burry was found by a friend who had arrived at the house to visit him.

CPR was performed but he was pronounced dead.

Cigarettes, two used syringes and other drugs paraphernalia were found in the room.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be intoxication by heroin and cocaine, with police ruling there were no suspicious circumstances.

Speaking after yesterday’s inquest into his death, Ms Burry and Mr May said: “Tony was a much loved son, brother, dad and friend who will be missed by everyone.

“This is a tragic loss.”

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray, who gave her condolences to the family on the “loss of Tony in these tragic circumstances”, recorded his death as an accident.

Speaking to his mother and her partner, she said: “You were clearly very supportive to him, there’s no doubt, and he clearly was much loved.

“I hope you will be able to think about all the happy memories you have of him.”