Spread the message on drug danger
Feb 21 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal
A CORONER sounded a fresh warning about the lethal risks involved in drug misuse yesterday at an inquest into the death of a young Northumberland man killed by a massive overdose of Ecstasy.
Quantity surveyor Matthew Young – described as a sensible lad who was not a regular drug user – collapsed and died after taking the tablets during an early-hours party with a group of friends at his home in Forster Avenue, Bedlington.
A post-mortem examination on Mr Young, 24, revealed an exceptionally high level of Ecstasy in his body, as well as traces of cocaine and alcohol.
Yesterday’s inquest in Ashington was told that two of those present at the party were cautioned by police for drug possession, although there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone with supplying illegal drugs.
Mr Young, a former student at St Benet Biscop High School, had lived alone at the house since his parents moved out of the region. His girlfriend, Katie Anderson of Bedlington, told yesterday’s inquest she had been going out with him for several months but had never seen him take drugs.
South east Northumberland coroner Eric Armstrong urged Mr Young’s friends and family to spread the message and make as many people as possible aware of the perils involved in misusing drugs.
He said: “The sad fact of the matter appears to be that Matthew, who I readily accept was not a regular user of drugs, has dabbled, and dabbled to a level which was lethal.
“Drugs are dangerous and can kill, but there is still a mindset among young people that it doesn’t happen to them. It is an extremely chancy business to take drugs but I don’t think Matthew had enough experience to realise this.
“I don’t think for one moment that he believed there was a danger in what he was doing. Others who were there that night survived but Matthew didn’t. The more people who know what can happen, the better, and the message is that taking drugs is downright dangerous.”
Mr Young and Ms Anderson had been for a night out in Newcastle in June last year before returning to his home at about 3am, where they were later joined by friends. Ms Anderson said she eventually went upstairs but believed drug- taking had been going on downstairs.
She said Mr Young denied taking anything but she later found him lying on the sofa drenched in sweat and shaking badly.
She suggested calling an ambulance but Mr Armstrong said to leave him to sleep it off. She returned to the house to find Mr Young collapsed and noticed that his legs and fingers were blue. An ambulance was called but he was pronounced dead at about 4.35pm.
Verdict: Accidental death.
