Wolverhampton man died after taking drugs, inquest heard
An inquest ruled that a man died from drugs, despite him having sustained 'fractures to his ribs' prior to his death.
Garry Humphries, 54, who was living at The Solace Community Hostel, in Wolverhampton, died in New Cross Hospital on November 17 last year.
Another resident at the Tettenhall Road hostel was arrested following his death but police so say no further action is set to be taken.
Black Country Coroners Court heard how the day before Mr Humphries death, police had arrived at the premises following a 'disturbance' in his room with the other resident.
However, upon arrival both men were spoken to and no allegations made.
The following day, both men decided to smoke illegal drugs together in Mr Humphries room before he appeared to have a fit, the hearing was told.
CPR was carried out by the other man and paramedics upon their arrival, but after being taken to hospital he suffered a heart attack and died.
DC Nick Burrows, from Harborne homicide team, said: "Following a forensic post mortem it was noted that Mr Humphries had three fractures on his ribs that would have occurred a few hours before his death.
"It was not certain whether these were consistent with CPR or more so with an assault.
"We do know that the other resident said he lay him out on the bed and performed CPR following Mr Humphries' having the fit. He then ran downstairs to alert other members of staff.
"Due to there being the incident which police were aware of the day before, we arrested this resident on suspicion of assault. Following Mr Humphries death he was held for a period of time, interviewed and then released on bail.
"However, the forensic doctor said that the fractures were inclusive, and no further action was taken."
The post mortem revealed that there was evidence of heroine, cocaine and other drugs present in Mr Humphries body.
The cause of death given was mixed drug use.
The court heard that he had a history of 'drugs and criminality' and had been a resident at the hostel since late last year.
Giving a conclusion of drug related death, senior coroner Zafar Siddique said: "It is clear that Mr Humphries had a chaotic lifestyle and a history of drugs use.
"He had sustained fractures but an extensive post mortem took place and it was concluded that he died from mixed drugs use."
