Man dies day after leaving jail

11:07am Wednesday 4th July 2007

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A FATHER of three died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital the day after being released from prison.

Stephen Ellson arrived at the home of former cellmate Stephen Bennett, in Farriers Corner, Droitwich, the day after leaving HMP Blakenhurst in Redditch.

At Tuesday's inquest, in Stourport-on-Severn, pathologist Dr Geoffrey Smith said the 39-year-old was slurring, soaking wet and smelt of alcohol.

"They were concerned for his health and particularly concerned he might have a chest infection and called an ambulance," he said.

Dr Smith said Mr Ellson, who once lived in Droitwich but had no fixed address, refused admission, but later collapsed and was admitted to hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.

"As far as the post mortem itself is concerned, there was no evidence that the deceased was anything other than a fit and healthy person," he added.

"However, there was some evidence there was indeed a chest infection.

"Subsequent samples taken from the lungs confirmed the presence of bronchopneumonia.

"The toxicology analysis on the blood taken in A & E showed the presence of opiates and that would have followed morphine and or heroin use.

"When people use such opiates, the body develops a tolerance to them, and in order to satisfy the craving for these addictive drugs users, over a period of time take an increasing dose."

He said the levels Mr Ellson took were sufficiently high to cause death, although he said he died because of the combination of drugs and bronchopneumonia.

Dr Smith said at the time of death, no alcohol could be detected in his system.

He said it was also impossible to tell when he had taken the drugs.

Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said heroin packets were found in Mr Ellson's clothing at the hospital and he had convictions for drugs offences.

The inquest was adjourned for evidence to be presented by paramedics.