THE family of a “loving uncle” and dad-of-four who was addicted to heroin has paid tribute to him at the opening of an inquest into his death.

Bolton born and bred Lee Hall was found dead on August 4 after absconding from hospital and going missing for 10 days.

The Northern Care Alliance has admitted that “a breakdown in communication” meant staff had not informed Mr Hall’s GP of his absconsion.

An inquest into the 45-year-old’s death opened at The Old Police Station in Heywood yesterday.

Jennifer Semeniuk, one of his three sisters, said: “Lee meant everything to us, absolutely everything. We will never be the same as a family without him.

“We were exceptionally close as siblings. He meant the world to our children. He would do anything for us.”

Lee, who grew up in Breightmet, was receiving treatment for his use of heroin and cocaine, and was under various agencies, including One Recovery Bury, the previous provider of substance misuse services in Bury.

He had been living with his parents Stephan and Linda Semeniuk at their home in Queen Street, Radcliffe, since May 2017 after being released from prison under licence.

His dad said: “I said he could stay with us if he was clean.” The court heard that in May 2018, Lee began taking heroin again.

On July 21, ahead of a planned family holiday, Lee left the home, breaching a condition of his licence.

“I did not ask him to leave”, his dad said, “He left of his own accord.”

During an appointment on July 23 Mr Hall told One Recovery that “he was not suicidal”.

His GP told the court: “Lee had a long-term problem with drug abuse, a history of using heroin, and suicidal ideation with low mood.”

His father said he had found a suicide note in his bedroom around the time that he came out if prison.

Lee presented at the pharmacy on July 24 but was refused his regular prescribed methadone drugs because he presented as “intoxicated” and “out of character.”

On July 25 he was admitted to North Manchester General Hospital A&E department after threatening to take his own life by jumping from a multi-storey carpark. Later that same day he went missing.

At about 1.20am on July 26, Mr Hall turned up at his parents’ home and asked to see his mother.

His father told the court the family had not been informed that Lee had been in hospital. In his statement, he said: “Lee was sweating. He looked like he was under the influence of drugs. I told him to go away and come back another time.”

It was the last time that the family saw Lee until they were contacted by Greater Manchester Police on August 4.

His body had been found “about 150 to 200 yards” from his parents’ home.

Northern Care Alliance, which oversees Pennine Acute, which runs North Manchester General Hospital.

Elizabeth Wheeler, representing The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The trust admits that the necessary mental health referral was not made prior to Lee Hall leaving Ward 3. The referral was not made as a consequence of miscommunication between various members of the nursing and medical team.

“The system was not updated with Mr Hall’s GP details as a consequence of a breakdown in communication between the A&E reception team and the receiving ward. As a result the trust did not advice Mr Hall’s GP that he had attended North Manchester General Hospital and that he later absconded.

“The alert that was raised with the police regarding Mr Hall’s absconsion was not followed up.”

“Heroin took over Lee’s life”, the court heard, “he got into the wrong crowds.”

In recent years Lee had lost contact with his four children, following a relationship breakdown. Lee was also uncle to six nephews and one niece.

Lee, a labourer by trade and who used to run with Bolton Harriers, was described as “loved”.

Sister Jennifer, aged 39 and who lives in Radcliffe, said: “He was a fantastic brother, always very caring. He was always involved in the upbringing of our children’s lives.

“He used to come to the park with us, he would go for days out with us.

“Our children loved their uncle. He was also involved in the upbringing of his four children until that contact was broken off in later years.

“He used to run mini-marathons and at 12 or 13 he went and won a lot of them. He also enjoyed golf, cross-country and swimming. He once swam with Olympian David Wilkie.”

The inquest is expected to last for 10 days.