A former soldier who became involved in a “physical altercation” shortly before his death died as a result of cocaine and alcohol toxicity, an inquest has heard.
Thomas Julian Sloman, 27, died on July 2 after a night out in Barry with his friends.
In a statement to an inquest into his death, Mr Sloman’s mother said he had served as a member of the Welsh Guards and did a tour of Afghanistan.
She said he had a happy childhood and said he had trials for Cardiff City.
She said: “I am totally heartbroken. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare.
“Tom was a perfect son and I love him so much.”
'They began to circle each other'
The inquest at Cardiff Coroners’ Court heard how Mr Sloman and his friends had gone to the Hot 4 U take-away on Broad Street.
He was seen on CCTV standing outside and Cain Smith was shadow boxing nearby.
Witnesses described Mr Smith as “acting aggressively and shouting” but that he was not directing this at anyone specifically.
Other witnesses claimed Mr Smith asked Mr Sloman to “punch him” to which Mr Sloman responded “why you starting on me for?”.
It was also said that Mr Smith told Mr Sloman “come on, let’s have it in the lane”.
Detective Constable Lewis Ewington-Gape, from South Wales Police, told the inquest: “Mr Sloman and Cain Smith squared off and they began to circle each other as if they were about to fight.
“Cain Smith throws a punch at Mr Sloman’s head which appears to connect.
“Mr Sloman engages in a fight and appears to overpower Mr Smith by putting his arm around his head and begins punching him several times to the head and body.”
Mr Sloman’s friend Nathan Szuchink became involved and landed a punch on Mr Smith.
CCTV showed Mr Szuchink throw another punch at Mr Smith which floored him.
Witness Aidan Lewis described Mr Sloman as giving Mr Smith “a beating”.
The inquest heard that Mr Sloman sat down and after a few seconds slumped to his side and lay on the floor.
He was pronounced dead at hospital.
The toxicology report
Forensic pathologist Dr Andrew Davidson said he could find no evidence of recent major trauma and no fractures to the skull and rib cage.
He discovered small amounts of haemorrhaging on Mr Sloman’s brain and other parts of his body, but said this would not have caused death.
A toxicology report found that Mr Sloman had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his blood.
Dr Davidson said the cocaine, alcohol and the physical altercation could have led to an increase in his heart rate and blood pressure.
He gave a probable cause of death as the combined toxic effect of cocaine and alcohol.
The inquest heard Mr Sloman had suffered from chest pains but it was not established whether he had any cardiac problems.
Coroner Andrew Barkley recorded a narrative conclusion.
He said: “It’s more likely than not the cocaine and alcohol together precipitated events which led to (Mr Sloman’s) death.
“There is no direct link to suggest the involvement in the fight where he received one punch directly led to his death but the physical exertion cannot be ignored.”
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/former-soldier-died-after-altercation-12016672
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