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

Bradford Coroner Martin Fleming was speaking at an inquest today into the death of 22-year-old Joseph Hunt, 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 in Main Street, Menston, was the same as had been in a small zip-sealed plastic bag found in a bin, along with a envelope that come from India.

The hearing in Bradford was told police could not say for sure where the drug, which causes rapid loss of concious, had come from despite extensive investigations which included trying to analyse Mr Hunt's laptop.

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 on-line 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 become a special constable. 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 when officers went to Mr Hunt's address they found he was dead.

The inquest was told that the former Bradford Grammar School pupil, who also went to Ermystead'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 anger with a world he could not influence.

"His spirit was not to be tamed," he said.

"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 volunteered with the Round Table and had spent time in Ethiopia teaching children IT skills as well as helping convert a cottage in Ilkley which he loved and where his ashes will be scattered, said Mr Hunt.