Islington TRibune - News: Care worker killed by 'off the scale' drug use

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Islington Tribune - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 14 December 2007

Care worker killed by ‘off the scale’ drug use

Police admit family are ‘unhappy’ with findings

A CARE worker who was found dead at her Angel home died from an overdose that was “off the scale”, an inquest heard on Monday.
Although detectives initially launched a murder investigation into the death of Annette Ewerse, 42, from the Popham estate in Dengie Walk, a coroner ruled that she took her own life.
Police say her family, who attended the inquest at St Pancras Coroner’s Court, are unhappy with the coroner’s ruling and do not believe Miss Ewerse died by her own hand.
The inquest heard that Ms Ewerse’s relatives broke into her flat after growing concerned about her, and found her face down and in a patch of blood on the floor.
Coroner Andrew Reid recorded a verdict of suicide after ruling she had built up a “stockpile of drugs”.
“It was off the scale,” said Dr Reid. “It would appear she had built up a stockpile of drugs. The amount she had taken was so high that I am satisfied she was trying to end her life.”
Toxicology reports revealed the amount of prescription drugs and painkillers in her blood was so high that equipment used to test levels could not give an accurate reading.
Detective Inspector Mark Gower, speaking to the Tribune, said: “We conducted a detailed and intricate investigation and the coroner confirmed the findings from the toxicology.
“We were able to rule out that there was any form of connection to any other party other than the deceased, which is very sad and emotional.
“The family are very upset with the outcome. It’s a very difficult thing for them to come to terms with.
“It’s hard to accept that your loved one is prepared to take their own life and if medical evidence suggests that’s the case it is difficult to accept and rightly so.”
DI Gower said “the case is closed”, and that Igo Imiren, 27, a boyfriend, had been “eliminated” from their inquiries.
“We are able to do that quite confidently,” he added. “My thoughts are with the family.”

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