Man who fell from window died due to cocaine in system not injuries from fall, inquest rules

Phillip Alan Martin was found by police outside his home in Marlborough in Seaham, just after 8am on Wednesday, July 1, this year, with the upstairs window open and blinds disturbed.

But the inquest into the death of the 37-year-old dad-of-two held today, Wednesday, December 16, heard a post mortem examination established he died due to a high level of cocaine in his system and heart disease – not injuries from the fall.

County Durham Assistant Coroner Dr Leslie Hamilton gave a stern warning, stressing the dangers of the substance.

As he recorded a conclusion Mr Martin’s death was drug-related, he said: “Some sections of society see cocaine as relatively safe compared to other drugs.

"This is clearly not the case. It can cause heart disease in young people and it can be fatal in its own right.”

A report by Detective Inspector Chris Woollett, of Durham Constabulary, was read to the hearing at Crook Civic Centre, attended by Mr Martin’s family and partner.

The death was first considered suspicious, with the first floor window open, the door to the room blocked from the inside and the windowsill showing signs of contact.

Evidence of drug taking was found in his locked home.

CCTV showed at 5.40am he fell from a window, but not put his hands out to break his fall – he had a number of injuries, but none contributed his death, according to the pathologist’s report.

The footage showed he climbed back in and out of his house through the kitchen window and was seen “behaving unusually”, walking around the street shouting when no one was there.

The inquest heard Mr Martin had experienced hallucinations when taking drugs in the past, with a toxicologist stating this could happen under the influence of cocaine.

A report from Mr Martin’s GP detailed a history of heroin consumption dating back to 2005 and reported earlier in the year he had anxiety and anger issues.

Mental health services had made efforts to support Mr Martin with his addiction and he was put on a methadone programme at the end of June, with his loved ones supporting him to end his habit.

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