A popular dad died after taking drugs for the first time, an inquest heard today.
Phillip Andrew Dobson, 45, was found dead hours after drinking out of bottle of methadone, an opioid prescribed by doctors as a substitute for heroin for ex-addicts, which was in a friend's fridge.
He had been drinking at the home with pals when he found the bottle, but his mate did not say to whom it belonged.
Hull Live says the father-of-four died as a result of mixed alcohol and drug toxicity.
His inquest today heard he had 213mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, 1,698mg citalopram (an antidepressant Mr Dobson had been prescribed by his GP), 123mg per 100ml of methadone and traces of diazepam and codeine in his system.
Methadone is given out in prescribed forms by a pharmacist each day but on days where the pharmacy is closed (for example, Bank Holidays and Christmas) the instalments should be given to patients the day prior to the closure). This means the methadone is taken independently at home by the person.
HM Area Coroner Rosemary Baxter gave the cause of death as a "tragic accident".
Mr Dobson's family, of Hull, said they were still left with unanswered questions after his untimely death.
They told how he was just days away from going to Birmingham to undertake rehabilitation after a long history of alcohol abuse.
His wife, Melanie Dobson, said she wanted the name of the person whose methadone it was disclosed.
"He shouldn't have had the methadone and it should be disclosed, because the only way it had been put in the fridge was because the pharmacy was closed because it was Christmas. He was not prescribed it."
His mum, Pauline Dobson added: "He had never taken drugs before. There is still unanswered questions for us."
Mrs Melanie Dobson continued: "I don't think it's right that they can't disclose it. The person's whose it was hadn't taken it and had left it there.
"It was put in the fridge kind of like, 'here's a present' as you would say 'here's a bottle of wine in the fridge for you.'
"The rules should be changed and people should have to disclose it.
"We've still not got closure - yes we can get the death certificate now but people should answer the questions so others can be held accountable.
"If you're in a club, and you're pushing drugs on someone, you get charged and sent to jail - why is it not the same because it's at home?"
Mr Dobson's wife told how her husband had been a "fantastic" father to his four children and had worked at Coates in Hedon for over 20 years.
She said that although her husband had had drink issues, he had never taken a drug.
Mrs Dobson said: "We first met in November 1994 and when we met he was quiet and one of the nicest people I'd ever met.
"After a few months he moved in with me. He did drink a lot and the only arguments we ever had was about drink."
The pair married in 1998 and led a happy life together with their four children.
Although they had separated at the time of his death, Mr Dobson's wife said she would always take him back once he was off the drink.
She said he was very much looking forward to attending rehab in Birmingham in January this year.
"He really wanted to go to rehab," she added, "It was through Renew. He was the most amazing person. He would never hurt anyone. He was the most kindest person.
"We had split up in 2014 but he had kept coming back for Christmasses and would stop drinking but wouldn't stick to it.
"I think he knew if he stopped drinking we would get back together. I couldn't have asked for a better husband."
His mum, Pauline told the inquest: "He was a great and happy child. I had four children and he was my youngest son. We never had any problems with him at school and he went straight to work after.
"Around four years ago he said he was struggling with his mental health and depression after his marriage broke down and he did seek help for it.
"In 2017 he sought help from Renew to help with the drinking and he was due to start rehab in January.
"He was a great, loving son, brother and father."
