Man died while in rehab

Nov 1 2007 by Kerry-Lynne Doyle, Glamorgan Gazette

A RECOVERING heroin user died in a rehabilitation hostel after returning to the drug.

David John Rattray, aged 25, was found dead in his room at the Glyn Cynffig Hostel on School Road, Kenfig Hill, on March 23.

Bridgend Coroner’s Court heard Mr Rattray had been off the drug for at least four years.

Det Insp Russ Warwick told the inquest Mr Rattray was found by staff when he did not leave his room that morning.

Police initially investigated the death, but decided it was not suspicious. Officers searched the hostel for controlled drugs but nothing was found.

DI Warwick told the court after Mr Rattray’s death, Bridgend County Borough Council, which runs the hostel, held a “robust review” of its “procedures”.

“It was a clear incident of criminality and two other residents were arrested on suspicion of possessing controlled drugs and supply,” he said.

“They were interviewed and both denied supplying the drugs to David, they said he was the supplier.

“The Crown Prosecution Service made the decision to take no further action.

“The conclusion is that it was quite clear that the deceased was actively involved in controlled drugs.”

Dr Alan Martin Rees said Mr Rattray had 0.1mg of heroin in his blood and 14.1mg of the drug in his urine.

Traces of codeine were also found.

Dr Rees said the cause of death was choking on vomit due to heroin abuse.

He told the court this was a common side effect of someone who had either returned to the drug or taken the wrong amount.

Coroner Philip Walters recorded a verdict of accidental death.