Drug use link to deaths

DRUG-INDUCED psychosis was behind five deaths from self-inflicted stab and incised wounds in Tasmania between 2012 and 2016, a coroner has found.

In her findings into the death of David Geoffrey Godley in April, 2016, Coroner Olivia McTaggart highlighted the role played by cannabis and methamphetamine.

“Mr Godley’s long-term use of cannabis is likely to have either caused his psychosis or exacerbated a pre-existing disposition towards that condition,” Ms McTaggart said.

“His use of methamphetamine would also have had similar effects. His death is a stark reminder of the role played by both of these illicit drugs in causing psychosis, and the tragic consequences that may arise.”

Mr Godley was 30 years old when he was found dead in the residence he rented in Sandy Bay. His wife, Ha-Na Choi, had fled through a bedroom window and climbed on to the roof of the neighbouring building. She had suffered knife wounds.

Mr Godley’s housemate was at home and called police after seeing Mr Godley in the bedroom with a knife.

Mr Godley was found dead in the bedroom, covered in blood with knife wounds to his neck and chest.

The incident was initially treated as a homicide. Ms Choi was arrested for murder, taken into custody, and remained under police guard in hospital.

After further police investigation and advice from a forensic pathologist, Ms Choi was discharged as investigators formed the view that Mr Godley had inflicted the knife wounds on himself.

Two weeks before his death, Mr Godley presented at the emergency department of the Royal Hobart Hospital with methamphetamine toxicity after taking a large quantity of ice (2 grams).

Ms McTaggart said a review of Tasmania’s coronial records showed that between 2012 and 2016 there were 368 suicides in Tasmania — five of which (not including Mr Godley’s death) involved self-in- flicted wounds. The coroner said in those cases the deceased had also exhibited behaviour suggestive of a psychosis/psychotic event leading up to their death.

All five cases involved men aged between 23 and 48 years.

She said four of the five cases involved drug use, most notably cannabis use. If you need support, ring Lifeline on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.