LORNA MARSH Chronic drug use led to the tragic death of a teenage girl just after she gave birth to her baby leaving him motherless, an inquest heard yesterday.

LORNA MARSH

Chronic drug use led to the tragic death of a teenage girl just after she gave birth to her baby leaving him motherless, an inquest heard yesterday.

Seventeen-year-old Annabel Sapet died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after having son Tyler, who survived the birth.

The Norwich inquest heard that Ms Sapet's death was caused by heart failure during the birth probably brought on by heroin use while she was pregnant as well as poor nutrition.

A post mortem report by Dr Virginia Sands identified evidence of “regular, acute and chronic heroin smoking” which would have led to physiological stress during her pregnancy and labour.

The report stated Ms Sapet received the appropriate level of care before her death on November 24 last year but the stresses of pregnancy and childbirth put too much strain on her heart combined with her poor nutrition and drug use.

Daniel Harry, partnership liaison officer with Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said any drug-related death was sad.

“Drug related deaths are of great concern and the Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team continues to work with key partners to reduce the number of drug related deaths in Norfolk.

“There are a range of services available to people with drug or alcohol problems and we would urge anyone who has concerns about their drug or alcohol use to contact their local treatment provider or GP.”

Announcing a verdict of death by natural causes Greater Norfolk coroner William Armstrong said: “My sympathies go to Annabel's parents and family, and her child as well.”

The DAAT website is at www.nordat.org.uk and the 24-hour helpline for the Matthew Project, which helps young people and adults affected by drug use, is on 0800 764 754.