Mistley car fanatic's death linked to alcohol, rules coroner

Michael Davidson was found unresponsive at his home in Stourview Close, Mistley, after concerns were raised by his brother for his welfare.

Police officers forced entry shortly before 1am on January 10 and found the 60-year-old lying on his side on the floor in his bedroom.

Essex Coroner’s Court heard there were signs of decomposition to his body and it was apparent he had been dead for some time.

Mr Davidson’s family, from St Osyth, have since paid tribute to the “woman charmer” who they understood to be teetotal.

Incident - Stourview Close, Mistley (Image: Newsquest)

However, a toxicology report revealed he had a “very high” blood alcohol level in excess of 300mg when found.

Another report read to the court said there was minimal food in the cupboard and the property was messy.

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Area Coroner Sonia Hayes said a safeguarding concern relating to Mr Davidson had been raised at the end of September 2021.

She added there were worries about the possibility of self-neglect.

Concerns were again raised in December last year when the 60-year-old’s boss attended his house inquiring about him.

The court heard Mr Davidson’s brother attended his house on January 10 after again becoming worried as he had “sounded a bit dodgy” over the phone and had not seen him in person for three weeks.

Inquest - Seax House

When he arrived there were no signs of life, light or sound coming from the property, sparking the sibling to call the police who later found him dead.

Ms Hayes declared the overall conclusion of Mr Davidson’s death was that it was alcohol related.

She added he had suffered from the toxic effect of excessive ethanol ingestion in the background of stenotic coronary artery atheroma.

“He lived alone and it cannot be established with any certainty the day he died,” said the coroner.

A statement read on behalf of the family said: “Michael was very interested in mechanics. He had cars and was fanatical over his cars and car repairs.”

They revealed their beloved relative had lost his right eye in a freak accident after being caught by someone running past him.

“He was a woman charmer and took to losing his sight very well,” they added.