Portchester dad dies after taking drugs, inquest is told

A DAD died after taking drugs, an inquest heard.

Stevie Barker, 33, was found collapsed in Harbour View, Portchester, by a member of the public.

An inquest at Portsmouth Coroner’s Court heard Mr Barker had left the Portchester home he shared with his long-term partner, Aime Smith, at 4am on August 30 last year.

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The couple had been planning to go to Victorious Festival the evening beforehand but decided not to because it was raining.

Mr Barker spent the evening doing some decorating work and later shut himself in the bathroom. He then left the home with £100 cash.

A statement from Ms Smith read out in court said Mr Barker used cocaine, but never around his family.

‘He did not use it because he was unhappy,’ she said. ‘He just liked to use it.’

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A pathologist found there were potentially-fatal levels of amphetamine and cocaine in Mr Barker’s blood.

Coroner David Horsley said there was nothing to suggest he deliberately overdosed.

‘I think he’s gone out to use it and used a bit too much,’ said Mr Horsley.

‘I don’t think he intended to harm himself.’

Mr Horsley ruled that it was a drug-related death.

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