A HOMELESS man who refused medical treatment while sleeping rough on the streets of Hereford died in hospital, an inquest heard this week.

Paul Workman, 54, had developed pneumonia caused by his long-term drug addiction and collapsed at St. Peter's Winter Shelter where he had spent the night.

Wardens had expressed concern about Mr Workman's condition, with Herefordshire Coroner's Court being told on Monday he had refused advice to attend A&E.

Andrew Butterfield, a retired GP and chair of the shelter, said the wardens had monitored Mr Workman overnight, but when he arrived shortly before 7am the following morning, he was unresponsive.

An ambulance was then called as his condition deteriorated and his breathing became more shallow.

When the paramedics arrived, they started CPR and Mr Workman was later taken to Hereford County Hospital.

A long-term heroine addict who was taking methadone daily, Mr Workman had been found slumped on the streets of Hereford in the days leading up to his death. A street pastor said an empty box of codeine was found next to him.

Coroner Mark Bricknell recorded a narrative verdict and said it was a "tragic set of circumstances" before he praised those who had cared for Mr Workman, including charity Addaction. He added that drug use was thought to have caused pneumonia.