Former Westham antiques dealer died after taking a cocktail of drugs

Alan Florey was found dead at his home in Church Bailey in Westham on December 14 2019.

An inquest at Eastbourne Town Hall on Thursday (December 10), heard that Mr Florey, who used to work as an antiques dealer and lived in warden-assisted housing, had a long history of mental health problems and drug issues.

Charlie Florey, Mr Florey’s son, said, “He was a bubble of fun, a good dad.”

Dr Iian Rajap, Mr Florey’s GP, said he attended frequent appointments with the medical health team but declined support from STAR - the drug and alcohol recovery team.

The inquest heard Mr Florey had given up alcohol years ago, but had turned to drugs since.

Fiona-Jane Roberts, Mr Florey’s ex-wife said, “He had beaten alcohol addiction and had been dry for years but he took drugs to chill out, he was obviously not well.”

Mr Florey was in regular contact with his occupational therapist, Joanne Wilson. She said in November this year he was engaging well and his mood was stable.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Sarah Flowers, who was working alongside Ms Wilson, met with Mr Florey once in August this year. She said he presented as hopeful and was planning for the future.

Dr Flowers said, “He was being taken seriously, he was well cared for and my appointment with him was very reassuring.”

Duncan Moulton, his clinical psychologist, said he saw Mr Florey twice in December last year.

Mr Moulton said he was engaging well and was keeping busy. He was also said to be well supported by his ex-wife.

Mr Moulton learned of Mr Florey’s death after he failed to attend their appointment on December 18.

The inquest heard his death was due to mixed drugs toxicity and Mr Florey also suffered with underlying coronary artery disease which would have ‘made matters worse’ according to East Sussex coroner James Healy-Pratt.

Mr Healy-Pratt ruled that Mr Florey’s death was drugs related.