Jane Allison Powell · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 12th December 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Jane Allison Powell. My investigation was concluded by way of an inquest hearing that commenced on the 20th October 2017, concluding on the 27th October 2017.

Ms Powell was a qualified Pharmacist by profession although at the time of her death she was no longer licensed to practise.

Against a backdrop of enduring mental illness (more likely than not due to a borderline emotionally unstable personality disorder and insecure attachment, rather than the historic diagnosis of bi-polar affective disorder), a concern for the deceased’s welfare was raised by a neighbour on the 6th December 2016.

Police attended her home address and forced entry whereupon she was found deceased in the living room area of the property. The deceased had last been seen alive between the 25th and 28th November 2016.

A linear mark to the deceased's neck was noted. A forensic post mortem was conducted and a fracture to the larynx identified. Both the mark and the fracture were in keeping with a recent attempt at self-ligature but were not causative of death. Toxicological analysis identified both prescribed and over the counter medication, almost all of which potentially carried sedative effect. Furthermore, the deceased had been purchasing large amounts of additional medication over the internet. Despite post-mortem changes and having taken into consideration post mortem redistribution, the thrust of the evidence supported a finding of multiple drug toxicity as the probable cause of death.

There was insufficient evidence to conclude, to the required legal standard, that the deceased had intended to take her own life.

1. The evidence in this case demonstrated how easy it is for individuals to obtain large amounts of medication (including those normally deemed to be ‘prescription only’ drugs) over the internet. Whilst this problem has already been recognised by the pharmaceutical profession and its regulatory body, it is unclear what action has been/is being taken in order to address the situation.

My concern is that, if left, there is a significant risk of future deaths.