‘ALL THAT WE WANT IS JUSTICE FOR OUR SON – PEOPLE SIMPLY DON’T PASS AWAY LIKE THAT’
Anguished parents of Mark want to know if decision to change his medication after 10 years played part in his death at just 43
THE family of a 43-yearold man are calling for answers over whether his change of prescription medication contributed to his death.
Mark Stott, who had depression and anxiety, had been on tablets for almost a decade without experiencing any significant side-effects.
But a pre-inquest review was told he suffered ‘a very serious reaction’ after his pills were altered. He went on to regularly having trouble sleeping and started shivering.
Now North Staffordshire senior coroner Andrew Barkley is to call key witnesses in the case to try to address the family’s concerns.
He said: “One issue I’m still investigating is in relation to the medical cause of death. It’s been put down to a combination of the medication Mark was on.”
But he pointed out that a toxicologist, who examined a blood sample, found the medication levels were ‘not that high’. Both he and the pathologist are now due to give evidence at the full inquest.
“I also need to hear from the GP and mental health team,” added Mr Barkley. “There is a question mark in my mind as to what he was given, by whom, and what he should have been given. We need the fullest possible picture.”
Mark lived with his parents Owen and Marion in Barlaston Road, Newstead, and was found unresponsive on May 7.
Speaking to The Sentinel after the pre-inquest review, Mr Stott said: “His mum went up to see him and gave him his tablets at 11am. His last words were ‘see you later, mum’.”
When they checked on him again, they couldn’t rouse him.
Mr Stott began emergency first aid while an ambulance was on its way. Paramedics then took over, but were unable to save Mark. “All we want is justice for our son. You don’t just pass away like that,” said Mr Stott.
The hearing has now been adjourned until the New Year, with a provisional date set for January 28.