Police investigate death of man in his Eastbourne home

Police launched an investigation into the potentially suspicious death of Christopher Coleman, an inquest heard on Thursday (September 10).

The 66-year-old had called his GP practice saying he had been attacked and suffered a head injury.

An ambulance was sent but he refused to go to hospital, the inquest heard.

He was found dead in his address in Welbeck Close two days later, on February 22, 2019.

A Home Office forensic pathologist was called on to examine the body.

The public inquest heard Doctor Charlotte Randall could find evidence he had been in the reported altercation, which involved being hit on the head, kicked and punched on the ground.

However, the post mortem report found no signs of acute traumatic head injury which could have caused his death.

Instead, there was high amounts of opioid painkiller Tramadol in his system, quantities associated with fatal toxicity.

There was also severe signs of heart disease, to the extent the doctor said sudden death could have occurred at any time.

However, Dr Randall found the cause of death to be Tramadol toxicity.

After investigating, police ruled out any third party involvement.

The inquest heard Mr Coleman suffered from a series of health issues and had been prescribed the painkillers.

Coroner Alan Craze said, “With opioid medication there is always the possibility somebody is taking it for the effects it gives.

“People we know take excessive prescription medication, particularly painkillers, either for extreme pain or just to get a night sleep.

“Whatever the ultimate reason is for him taking this very large overdose, I’m satisfied it wasn’t with the intention of bringing his life to an end.”

He reached a conclusion of accidental death.

• Inquests are open to the public and members of the press who are permitted to publish the proceedings in full.

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