Verdict on death of man whose discovery sparked police probe
An inquest has been held into the death of a Sunderland man after the discovery of his body inside a city house led to a police investigation.
JohnAnthonySummers,of Roker Avenue, was found inside a house in Lumley Street, Millfield, early on the evening of February 28, last year, with Northumbria Police treating it as an “unexplained” death.
Aninquestintothe45-yearold’s death heard four people were arrested as part of inquiries, but no charges were brought.
Thehearing,atSunderland Civic Centre, heard Mr Summers, was involved in potentially two fights or arguments before his death.
He was struck with a coffee cup during one incident, with scratches,abrasionsandbruises found on his face and neck and bruises on his forearms.
Medical experts found the injuries did not contribute tohisdeath,butpathologistDr Nigel Cooper, noted arrhythmia – an abnormal heart rhythm – can occur “during periods of stress, for example, arguingorafight”addingdrugs such as cocaine can also have an impact.
MrSummers,whowasona number of prescription medications, had drunk alcohol and taken crack cocaine before he died.
Tests also found small amounts of methadone, amphetamine, diazepam,Pregabalin,whichhewas prescribed,andcannabisinhis
system, which Dr Cooper said could together have a depressive impact on the heart.
Detective Inspector Barry Mcatominey said CCTV at 2.03am established Mr Summers
had no visible injuries at that time, while one of the other people in the house said he had been heavily under the influence.
Inquires uncovered audio recordings, with Mr Summers heardasleepintheclipsbefore concerns were raised for him.
Mr Summer’s sister Ashley said they were a “very close family” and said her brother had struggled and drank more following the loss of their dad, weeks before his own death.
AsolicitorforMrSummers’ relations said they took no issue with the decision taken by the police, but had concerns about the “potential stress” of the incidents where he was “slapped and struck” and hit with the cup.
After summing up the evidence,assistantcoronerDavid Place concluded Mr Summers diedofnaturalcauses,contributed by drugs he had taken.