“Lessons to be learnt” from accidental drugs death

Wednesday 26 May 2021

Islanders prescribed strong sedatives and medicinal cannabis should remember that taking higher than approved levels - and mixing drugs - “is not without risk”, a coroner has said as he concluded the inquest into the accidental death of a grieving islander.

An inquest found yesterday that Séan Liam Greene (32) passed away from “combined drug intoxication” on 24 October, the day after a family funeral.

While none of the drugs in Mr Greene’s system – a mix of benzodiazepines and cannabis – were at a “toxic level” alone, their “adverse interaction” caused his death.

Consultant Histopathologist Dr Miklos Perenyei told the inquest that a post-mortem examination had identified THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis), a “therapeutic level” of mirtazapine, and “higher than therapeutic” levels of pregabalin and diazepam.

While most of these medications had been prescribed to him, the pregabalin – normally used for treating epilepsy, anxiety and nerve pain – had not. Police said they were unable to establish how Mr Greene had come to possess three cartons of the strong medicine, which bore the name of another person.

Relief Coroner Dr Martin Barrett heard reports from doctors explaining that for “many years” Mr Greene, who had previously undergone leg surgery, had “struggled” with dependence on strong medication. He had been referred to the Drug and Alcohol Service several times, but chose not to see the process through.

However, he had said in 2020 that he wanted to “turn his life around” and made an effort to control his drug use. After his bereavement, however, he said he felt his "purpose" was "all gone". The inquest heard that the electrician, who had been “furloughed”, had made plans to return back to work to distract himself from the family tragedy. He was also considering seeking support from rehabilitative charity Silkworth.

Mr Greene’s mother recalled seeing him smoke a “joint” in the kitchen the day before he died, but had not seen him taking any other drugs. Family and friends reported that he had been unsteady on his feet, struggling with speech and complaining of leg pain throughout the day. Paramedics called to his home confirmed his death the following morning. 

Concluding that he had died from “combined drug intoxication”, Dr Barrett added: “Apart from the layers of tragedy in this case… there are lessons to be learnt and those are that recreational drug taking is not without risk.” 

He added that even prescription medication, like medicinal cannabis, can have an adverse effect when present in a “cocktail”. 

During the inquest, Mr Greene was fondly remembered by his mother as a big Manchester United and Celtic fan, who “never gave up on his football.” 

Mr Greene also earned praise from Police Coroner's Officer Glenn Cleave for seeking help and being so “open and candid” with doctors about his drug use. “It wasn’t a hiding situation… He was very open with doctors – you don’t often see that,” he said. 

Dr Barrett concluded the inquest by emphasising “how very sorry I am for this tragedy.”

Pictured top: Morier House, where the inquest was heard.