'˜Very loving' Chesterfield grandfather died after substance abuse fight

Andrew Bilson, 45, was found dead in the bedroom of his home on Kirkstone Road, Chesterfield, last winter.

Chesterfield coroners’ court heard Mr Bilson fell on November 20 and suffered a head injury which resulted in heavy blood loss.

In addition, toxicological tests identified high levels of medication – including methadone and tramadol – as well as alchohol.

At Wednesday’s inquest, pathologist Dinesh Taraporewalla said Mr Bilson had a past medical history of drug and alcohol misuse.

Andrew Pinto, who found Mr Bilson’s body, told the court: “I knew him for 30 years.

“We were good friends and I used to visit him regularly and see if he was alright.”

Mr Bilson’s mother added: “We miss him so much.

“Andrew was very loving, caring, humorous and intelligent.

“He’d do anything for anyone if he could.

“He had two children and a grandchild.

“He loved his family,” she added.

Mr Newman said: “It’s always a tragedy hearing families describe their loved ones who, for whatever reason, have fallen into a cycle of self-abuse.”

Mr Bilson’s father told the court he was concerned his son was prescribed both methadone and tramadol after reading online that the two do not mix.

He added: “I thought his GP would be here to explain why they did that.”

Mr Newman offered to adjourn the inquest to carry out futher investigations on this matter but Mr Bilson’s family said they were happy for the inquest to go ahead and be completed.

Recording a narrative conclusion, Mr Newman said: “On November 20, 2015, Mr Bilson suffered a fall, sustaining a bleeding head injury, while toxicological analysis identified high levels of medication.

“He passed away as a combined result of both these factors.”

• Visit www.nhs.uk for advice, information and helplines relating to substance abuse