DARREN ROBERT DICKSON · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 10 and 11 March 2026, I heard the inquest into the death of Mr Darren Robert Dickson, aged 35 years, at the time of his death on 6 February 2025. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest, where I returned a narrative conclusion, and found the cause of death to be 1(a) Toxic effects of alcohol and benzodiazepine II Ischaemic heart disease and possible hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

I found that Darren Robert Dixon resided at 35 Gote Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria. Darren was employed as a mental health adviser at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Dickson had been experiencing a period of mental ill health following witnessing an extremely traumatic incident at his place of work. Mr Dickson had sought medical treatment for this mental health condition. Independent to this, Mr Dickson had started to take benzodiazepine to assist his condition. Mr Dickson had sought assistance from his employer, his GP and Recovery Steps in relation to his mental health condition and use of benzodiazepine.

It is not possible on the balance of probabilities to determine the exact extent of the advice provided to Mr Dickson in relation to the ongoing use of benzodiazepine after 24 January 2025.

Having last been seen at approximately 9pm on 5 February 2025, Mr Dickson was found unresponsive at 35 Gote Road. Mr Dickson was taken to West Cumberland Hospital where, despite treatment, he died on 6 February 2025. Toxicology analysis showed the presence of benzodiazepine and alcohol in Mr Dickson’s body, at levels that, on the balance of probabilities, led to his death.

(1) At the appointment on 27 January 2025, Mr Dickson was seen by a Recovery Co-Ordinator in relation to his use of benzodiazepine. It could not be ascertained from the records what information regarding signposting to other services that could have assisted Mr Dickson with treatment, was provided to him. I was concerned that the records did not allow a full and verifiable understanding of the information and assistance provided to Mr Dickson at this appointment.

(2) At the appointment on 27 January 2025, Mr Dickson was given advice to prepare a ‘drugs diary’. This was required so that, at his follow up appointment, it could be ascertained what his usage of benzodiazepine he was, so that a better-informed treatment plan could be prepared. I was conscious of the need your staff have for accurate information as to the extent of the drug use so that a well informed and coherent plan could be put in place. The concern I had was that Mr Dickson had seen his GP prior to the appointment on 27 January 2025 and had been told that if he was to take any benzodiazepine, it should be less than what he had previously taken. I was concerned that there was scope for confusion as to the information being given to Mr Dickson, and the level of communication that Recovery Steps has with the GP services in relation to the issue of ongoing use and doses of drugs.