Smiling for the camera this fresh-faced child was unaware of the troubled life - and horrific death - that lay ahead of him, all because he took a chance on drugs.

Matthew began experimenting with 'recreational' drugs as a teenager and was soon hooked on harder drugs like cocaine.

Within a few years, as his school friends were climbing the career ladder, Matthew was a heroin addict and an alcoholic.

At the age of 28, as he battled to overcome his addictions, he died after relapsing and taking a small quantity of drugs.

As health professionals and community workers today reveal that cocaine use in Ulster is rising, Matthew's father David Lyle warns against the dangers of experimenting with drugs.

"Cocaine is an example of a fashion drug whose users dice with death. People think cocaine is a designer toy they can play with. Well they can't. Look what experimentation did to Matthew," said David.

"What happened to Matthew is a very tragic example of how experimentation on so-called recreational drugs leads to disaster and tragedy. Once the drugs get a grip they just pull you down and down to a life in misery."

People of all ages and backgrounds are now using cocaine, according to key community workers.

One health professional has warned about the rise in the cocaine culture.

"Habitual users of ecstasy are now experimenting with cocaine. This shift highlights the increase of cocaine which is available on the streets at a reduced price," said Des Flannagan, addictions services manager for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

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