Christopher Michael SCOTT · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 25 July 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Christopher Michael SCOTT aged 23 years at the time of his death. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 26 November 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was that Christopher's death was drug related. I determined that Christopher died as a result of;

1a) Multiorgan failure and Bronchopneumonia
1b) Alpha methyltryptamine (AMT) toxicity.

I determined that he took two pills containing the drug (AMT) on the evening of the 21st July 2013 however I could not rule out that he did not take further pills containing the drug the following day. Christopher was admitted to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon early evening on the 22nd July 2013, his condition further deteriorated and he died on the afternoon of 24th July 2013 as a result of developing multiorgan failure and bronchopneumonia both of which was attributable to the toxic effects of AMT.

(1) During the course of the evidence I read out a toxicology report that referred to other deaths involving AMT. I exhibited 2 Internet research results that related to other AMT deaths. Slightly unconventionally I exhibited these internet results as ‘C2’ and ‘C3’ (copies attached) to further support this report with a view to the prevention of future deaths. The first report ‘C2’ referred to the death of Adam Weeks in November 2011. His Inquest in March 2012 confirmed his death due to AMT intoxication and whilst the report makes reference to the Coroner writing to appropriate authorities prior to Christopher's inquest I did speak with that Coroner who indicated that he had not make such a report (r43 report under the Coroners Rules 1984). Document ‘C3’ refers to three other deaths in respect of which AMT appears to have been involved during 2012 and 2013. As it stands at the moment AMT is a “legal high” and I am concerned that as it is currently a legal drug that it is readily available to be purchased for example over the internet and in the community at large. The effects of AMT can vary from person to person but clearly the effects can be deadly as the examples show including of course Christopher's death.