A MAN recently released from prison resumed taking drugs at the same level he had done prior to being jailed – with tragic consequences, a Burnley inquest heard.
Brian Murray (29), of Fletcher Street, Nelson, was found dead at his home on September 6th last year. It was believed at the time he had taken a drugs overdose.
Pathologist Dr Walid Salman told the hearing that toxicology tests had revealed levels of tramadol, morphine and methadone in Mr Murray’s blood and gave the cause of death as a drugs overdose.
Mr Murray’s mother, Sheena Arthur, told the inquest her son had just been released from custody. He had had mental health issues since he was 11 but was able to look after his own medication and had been to see his doctor on September 3rd to discuss a change.
“I spoke to him about the future and he was looking forward to seeing his daughter,” she said.
A few days later. she said, she became concerned at not having seen Mr Murray and spoke to his sister, who went to the house where his body was found.
“It was a tragic mistake. He would not have taken too much,” said Mrs Arthur. “He was strong willed and there was no evidence he intended to take his own life.” East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor said Mr Murray believed it was safe to take drugs at the same levels he had done previously and had failed to appreciate that his time in custody had affected hois tolerance levels.
He recorded a verdict of accidental death.