Man died from drugs and alcohol, inquest finds

An inquest has found that a Bedford man who was discovered unresponsive by the side of the road died after taking a combination of heroin, synthetic opioids and alcohol.

Ampthill Coroner's Court heard that Alex Porter-Harris, 33, of George Street, was discovered by two unidentified men on an office chair in Kathie Road, Bedford, in June 2024.

A police investigation found that it was likely he had been moved there.

His death had been treated as unexplained by detectives who arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of theft, perverting the course of justice and possession of cannabis.

Assistant coroner Saoirse Townshend said the cause of death was "mixed drug and alcohol toxicity".

In addition, the post-mortem examination identified a build-up of plaque in Mr Porter-Harris's arteries. She said that would have put him at greater risk of sudden death.

Ms Townshend said the construction worker had a history of drug and alcohol misuse.

His medical notes showed that by September 2021 he was no longer engaging with his doctor, and he was going on weekend alcohol and cocaine binges.

His parents had made many attempts to help him engage with support services.

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