Breathing problems caused drug taker's death

Thursday 31 August 2017

An inquest has concluded a 44-year-old man who had taken a cocktail of drugs died from postural asphyxia – being in a position that prevented him from breathing properly.

44-year-old Paul Maton was pronounced dead at his home in St Saviour in the morning of 27 December 2016 after taking a combination of diazepam, dihydrocodeine and gabapentin.

Mr Maton, who had a history of drug use and addiction, was found slumped over on his bedroom floor by his mother.

Giving evidence at the inquest, which was conducted at Morier House (pictured),  Consultant Pathologist Dr Peter Southall said: “The position Paul was in made it very difficult for him to breathe. The substances by themselves are not significant, but together they contributed to a central nervous depression and a respiratory depression and eventual postural asphyxia.” 

Deputy Viscount Advocate Mark Harris, conducting the inquest, also heard evidence from Tony Forder, the Police Coroner's Officer, who described the circumstances of Mr Maton’s death. He offered his sympathies to the family, saying: “I wonder if I might be able to offer condolences on my behalf and also on behalf of the States of Jersey Police to Paul’s family and friends.”

Mr Forder also read a statement from the deceased’s mother which described his long battle with drug addiction and his history of social anxiety and depression. In it she says: “For the best part of 20 years, Paul battled with substance abuse. We did all we could to help him.”