A DRUG user who plunged to his death after falling from a third storey window sill was not murdered.

An inquest into the death of David Derrick has concluded that he fell as he attempted to jump from the window onto another ledge in Woodford Green.

Paramedics tried in vain to save Mr Derrick's life after he sustained multiple injuries, and officers initially treated his death as murder.

At Walthamstow Coroner's Court last week, Coroner Dr Elizabeth Stearns said: "I am quite satisfied that he went to fall to his death. There is no evidence to suggest unlawful killing and I am therefore satisfied this is a terrible accident."

Mr Derrick, 56, of Castle Drive, Ilford, was visiting his friend Mary Thompson at her Montalt Road home in Woodford Green on July 11 last year, the court heard.

He had been drinking and smoking crack, but decided to visit his friend to calm down after an argument with his girlfriend.

But shortly after he arrived, Ms Thompson's and her partner Jeffrey Emmanuel had an argument over money.

"During the fight I told him David wants to go. He can't get out but when my boyfriend is angry he's like a hooligan, like a scary person," said Ms Thompson.

She added that Mr Derrick was in another room but was unable to leave their home because there was a padlock on the door following a police raid.

Mr Derrick decided to jump out of the sitting room window and on to another ledge he thought was within reach.

The post mortem revealed the crack and alcohol he consumed meant misjudging distances was one of the side effects.

Ms Thompson said: "He was holding on with one hand just hanging on. I was really shocked. I said what are doing hanging out the window?' He was facing me. He switched round to jump and when he jumped I just heard an ow' and then my boyfriend started fighting with me again."

Sgt Bill Hayden said police found Mr Derrick lying on his side and initially treated his death as murder. Police arrested Mr Emmanuel but he was later given a caution.