Drink and medication led to death of man, 44, found on floor of flat

A DERBYSHIRE man was found on the floor of his bedroom by his landlord, having not been seen for at least a week by his neighbour.

Shane Christopher Williams, 44, was known to have a history of drug and alcohol issues and had overdosed on drugs three times in the 10 years prior to his death.

At an inquest at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court, a statement by his landlord Steven Morton said that he tried to enter Mr Williams’ flat in Fairfield Road, Buxton, on Tuesday, April 6, after his neighbour Sue Wardall, had raised the alarm saying she hadn’t seen Mr Williams for a week.

Mr Morton found the body of Mr Williams on the bedroom floor, lying face down. He was cold to the touch.

Mr Williams had a history of alcohol and drug addiction and also mental health problems. His GP, Dr Hussain Rashid, told the inquest that Mr Williams had spoken to him by phone and commented that his mental health was deteriorating despite the prescribed medication he was taking.

Dr Rashid asked if Mr Williams was having suicidal thoughts but he replied that he was not. He referred

Mr Williams to the community mental health team on Friday, March 30, for further assessment.

Toxicology tests on Mr Williams showed high levels of alcohol in his blood, representing “profound intoxication”, although the alcohol level alone was not high enough to cause Mr Williams’ death.

Instead, it was concluded that a combination of the alcohol and the prescribed medication Mr Williams was taking “enhanced the sedative level of the alcohol”.

This was a view shared by Derbyshire’s assistant coroner, Sarah Huntbach, who concluded that although she did not believe Mr Williams intended to take his own life, his death was a result of suicide. ■■Call the Samaritans free of charge on 116 123.