Inquest is told troubled builder took overdose
ATROUBLED builder with a ‘great heart’ overdosed on medication, an inquest heard.
Stanislaw Sopiela, who was known as Daniel, was found dead in his bedsit on Brook Street, Macclesfield, on February 20.
The 34-year-old had taken a large amount of blood pressure tablets, an inquest at Macclesfield Town Hall heard.
Dr Janet Napier, assistant coroner for Cheshire, concluded that Mr Sopiela had not meant to take his own life.
She said: “From what I can see Daniel was a good uncle who was very fond of his nephews.
“Unfortunately he had problems. A large part of that was alcohol which caused physical and emotional problems.
“He was bereaved over a past relationship and had money worries.
“There is no evidence that Daniel intended to take his own life.
“He was trying to get help.
“He died of the toxic effects of excessive tablets.” Mr Sopiela was originally from Poland and arrived in Macclesfield in 2011, finding work as a farm worker and builder.
He lived near his half brother Adam Chmielewski and his family, and was happier around them, the inquest heard.
But reports from his GP revealed Mr Sopiela complained of low mood and alcohol problems, and was prescribed antidepressants.
He was referred to mental health services but his contact was sporadic.
In August 2015 he told a mental health nurse he drank was because he couldn’t express his feelings and that he was unhappy, didn’t like his job, and was bored and lonely.
Then in December 2015 he told nurses that the previous November he had overdosed on pain relief tablets and alcohol, but denied feeling suicidal.
On February 5 he was admitted to Macclesfield Hospital’s A&E after taken an ‘enormous’ overdose.
On February 11 Mr Sopiela told mental health staff he had been served an eviction notice and was struggling with alcohol.
He admitted the overdose had been ‘impulsive’.
After the hearing Mr Chmielewski paid tribute: “Daniel had a great heart.
“He helped everyone who asked him for help. Just as each of us, he had his flaws.
“He was not perfect, he was a just a human.
“For me he will always remain in my heart my baby brother. We miss him.”