A 30-year-old man was found dead in his Midlands home in a tragedy linked to long-term drug use, a coroner's court has concluded.
Inquest hears details of bedroom discovery
Stoke-on-Trent Coroner's Court was told that Jason Brierley was discovered in his bedroom at an address in Morris Square, Wolstanton, Staffordshire, on June 19. The hearing, which took place on December 3, detailed the circumstances leading to the young man's death.
Coroner Andrew Barkley heard evidence that drugs, needles and other paraphernalia were present in the room where Mr Brierley died. The court was informed that the deceased had struggled with drug addiction for many years.
History of health issues and hospital care
Earlier this year, Mr Brierley had faced significant health challenges. Medics had found multiple blood clots in his leg, leading to a month-long hospital stay.
Following his discharge, he required a machine connected to his leg and was receiving ongoing care from community nurses. Mr Brierley, who worked at a recycling plant in Chesterton, was living with family at the time of his death.
Coroner delivers formal conclusion
Recording a conclusion, Coroner Andrew Barkley stated that post-mortem tests revealed significantly raised levels of heroin, pregabalin and Zopiclone in Mr Brierley's system.
"There was no evidence of trauma and no evidence of a natural disease," Mr Barkley said. "I find no evidence that he took it to end his own life... It’s very clear that Jason was using and abusing drugs on a very regular basis both by what I’m told by his family and what was found in his room, although the extent of it was a big surprise."
The coroner's short-form conclusion was a drug-related death. He emphasised that there was no suicide note and nothing to suggest Mr Brierley had communicated an intent to take his own life, ruling out a deliberate act.
The case highlights the devastating consequences of sustained substance abuse within local communities.
