POTENTIALLY lethal drugs readily available over the internet are a curse to society, a top coroner has warned.

Bradford coroner Martin Fleming was speaking out during an inquest on February 12 into the death of 22-year-old Joseph Hunt from Main Street, Menston, who took his own life after sourcing a strong anaesthetic likely to have come from India via the Internet.

Toxicology tests revealed the white powder residue found in a pint glass next to Mr Hunt's body at his home was the same as had been in a small zip-sealed plastic bag found in a bin, along with an envelope that come from India.

The inquest heard police, despite extensive investigations, which included trying to analyse Mr Hunt's laptop, could not say for sure where the drug that causes rapid loss of conscious had come from.

Mr Hunt, who had a history of depression and was known to a mental health service in Leeds, had software on his computer that hid his online activities. The inquest was told by Detective Constable Hannah Mansell that Mr Hunt had written in a note left to family and friends that he had been looking at ways to end his life.

Mr Fleming said: "It's not been possible to say for sure but it's likely he may have obtained it [the drug] from the Internet.

"The fact this drug, and others like it, are readily available, remain a curse on our society."

Mr Hunt's body was found by police after he sent an e-mail confirming his own death to a police officer he had met one year before when he applied to join the Specials. Although he had been given a starting date, Mr Hunt had decided to withdraw his application to focus on college studies.

PC Fraser Corry alerted officers as soon as he read the e-mail, but it was too late. When officers went to his address, he was reclined on the sofa under a blanket and looked as though he was sleeping.

The inquest heard how the former Bradford Grammar School pupil, who also went to Ermysted's Grammar School, had been especially bright, quick-witted and intelligent, but had struggled to conform.

His father, Nick Hunt, who wept during the hearing, said his son was locked in an anger with a world he could not influence.

He added: "His spirit was not to be tamed.

"This characteristic did not create the easiest path to tread. He challenged convention and almost everything he came across until he was satisfied it was robust and true. Sadly, so much in life is not robust and true."

Mr Hunt, who was unemployed at the time of his death but had successfully taken a former payday loans employer to tribunal for a constructive dismissal, had also given a lot in his short life, added his father.

He had not taken drugs or alcohol for several years, had volunteered with the Round Table and had spent time in Ethiopia teaching children IT skills, as well as helping his father convert a cottage in Ilkley, which he loved and where his ashes will be scattered.