Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2013

Damion Stanley Joseph Henson

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2013-0307, written 11 Dec 2013. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report11 Dec 2013
Reference2013-0307
DeceasedDamion Stanley Joseph Henson
CoronerIan Smith
Coroner areaCumbria (South & East)
CategoryOther related deaths
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

1. 

 Over Manager, 
Riverview, 62 Lound Road, Kendal. 

 Manager, 

1 

CORONER 

I am, Ian Smith, senior coroner, for the coroner area of South & East Cumbria 

2 

CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 
and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On  9th  July,  2013  I  commenced  an  investigation  into  the  death  of  Damion  Stanley 
Joseph Henson, aged 42 yrs. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 
9th  December,  2013.  The  conclusion  of  the  inquest  was  that  the  deceased  died  from 
abuse  of  drugs  and 
the  cause  of  death  was  Methadone  Toxicity  with 
Bronchopneumonia. 

4 

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

The  deceased  was  found  dead  in  his  own  flat  on  4th  July,  2013,  having  overdosed 
principally on methadone but having taken other drugs as well. 

5 

CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In 
my  opinion  there  is  a  risk  that  future  deaths  will  occur  unless  action  is  taken.  In  the 
circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. 

The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows.  –  

I am concerned that this is the second or third death at these premises and it seems to 
me that the death occurred, at least in part, because the property was not supervised 24 
hours a day.  I understand that the residence is for homeless people but by default some 
drug  users  have  been  placed  there  and  unfortunately  on  occasions  these  drug  users 
introduce other drug users into the property out of hours with risks to all those who are 
present.  The address is not a drug rehabilitation unit but is a homeless unit but in the 
present way that it is being used, it appears to me that 24 hours supervision would be 
preferable. 

6 

ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your 
organisation have the power to take such action.  

7 

YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, 
namely by 5th February, 2014. I, the coroner, may extend the period. 

Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out 

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 

8 

COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I  have  sent  a  copy  of  my  report  to  the  Chief  Coroner  and  to  the  following  Interested 
Persons, 
(mother). 

I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your response.  

The  Chief  Coroner  may  publish  either  or  both  in  a  complete  or  redacted  or  summary 
form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful 
or  of  interest.  You  may  make  representations  to  me,  the  coroner,  at  the  time  of  your 
response, about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. 

9 

DATE 

11th December, 2013                                              [SIGNED BY CORONER] 

2

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