A deputy coroner refused to adjourn an inquest into the death of a man, despite a call for more witnesses and suspicion of foul play.
Graham Danbury, deputy coroner for Hertfordshire, ruled Welwyn Garden City resident Jason Butler died because of the “combined intoxicating effects of heroin, alcohol and [prescribed drug] Diazepam.”
Mr Butler’s brother, Luke, who was at the inquest in Hatfield on Friday, had called on Mr Danbury to adjourn proceedings and call two witnesses.
Mr Danbury said: “Jason’s brother has asked if I could adjourn the inquest today as we wait to call two people who you think could be implicated in your brother’s death, regarding information which may differ from what they told the police, which may have implications for them.”
A verdict of “misadventure” was recorded.
* Buy the Welwyn Hatfield Times, out now, for more on this story.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here