William Helstrip: Pocklington man died after taking drugs bought on the dark web

The inquest took place at Hull Coroner's Court on Monday

An 18-year-old man died after taking drugs laced with a dangerous painkiller which he had bought on the dark web, an inquest has heard.

William Helstrip was found dead at his home in Pocklington in 2022.

On Monday, Hull Coroners Court heard the drugs he bought online contained traces of the highly potent opioid N-pyrrolidino-etonitazene (NPE).

A toxicologist told the court NPE was "so dangerous...it isn't used therapeutically anywhere in the world".

The inquest heard traces of the drug, as well as prescription drug Propranolol and the Valium-type drug, Etizolam, were found in Mr Helstrip's blood following his death.

Forensic toxicologist Dr Stephen Morley told the court: "N-pyrrolidino-etonitazene (NPE) was originally designed to be used possibly as a painkiller, but it was stopped as it was so potent.

"It is so dangerous that it isn't being used therapeutically anywhere in the world."

He said, however, it was "like Breaking Bad" - a reference to the hit US TV show which follows chemistry teacher turned drug dealer Walter White - with the drug "produced by chemists in bulk in places like China and Russia, brought into the country illicitly and distributed through the post or by dealers".

He told the inquest there was "no evidence of an overdose" and said Mr Helstrip was "rather unfortunate that the combination has led to excess sedation, his breathing to slow [and] it is likely Will has died essentially after falling asleep".

The court heard Mr Helstrip had suffered with bullying at times had used drugs, including cannabis, but his family and friends did not believe it was something that would develop further.

In a video recording played during the inquest Mr Helstrip's parents, Steve and Ruth, said prior to his death he had moved to a new house and started a career as a computer programmer.

They said their son had been "optimistic for the future" and had told friends he was "happy for the first time in a long time".

Friends of Mr Helstrip went on to say he was a "loyal" friend and that he would be sorely missed.

The coroner, Professor Paul Marks, recorded a verdict of accidental death.