Inquest results in open verdict

A CORONER has recorded an open verdict at the inquest of a Gainsborough man found dead at his home.

The body of 44-year-old Darral Godson was discovered by police at his home on Sandsfield Lane on 22nd November. It is not known how long he had been dead.

The inquest at the Cathedral Centre in Lincoln heard on Tuesday that Mr Godson’s cousin had become concerned about his wellbeing and called police.

PC Lionel Thursby was on duty at 4.10pm on 22nd November when he got a call to attend the address.

In his statement, which was read out to the court, he said: “After banging on the door with no reply I checked and there were no signs of forced entry.”

“I waited for other officers to arrive. We forced entry in through the rear kitchen door by smashing the window.”

PC Thursby found Mr Godson sat up in a chair. It became clear that he had been dead for some time.

The court heard that Mr Godson had suffered from a variety of health problems, and had sought medical treatment regularly since 2009.

He was hospitalised after a heart attack in 2009 and went on to develop diabetes. He struggled with his weight and smoked 20 cigarettes a day.

Coroner for Lincolnshire Paul Smith recorded an open verdict.

He said: “The post mortem examination excluded any external trauma, and whilst limited, there were no findings of heart disease. There was no evidence of any overdose of medication.”

“He clearly had a number of health issues and had gone through treatment and was facing further treatment. But even that does not disclose any particular cause of death to account for his passing.”