From the archive, first published Monday 22nd Apr 2002.
A coroner said police could learn from the death of a teenager who went an illegal rave.
Speaking at an inquest into the death of David Callaghan, 17, of Glisson Square, Shrub End, Colchester, Suffolk Coroner Dr Peter Dean said: “It would be sensible for the police to take a copy of the transcript of this inquest to see if lessons can be learned.”
Dr Dean also delivered a stark warning on the dangers of drugs. He said: “The very sad loss of David gives a very stark warning to the dangers of drug use and particularly in combination with a high level of alcohol.”
The inquest at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday heard how the body of trainee chef Mr Callaghan was found in Gipping River, Ipswich, on October 28.
He had been at an illegal rave the previous night at a warehouse in the town’s Ranelagh Road.
A statement made by his father Des Callaghan, 48, also of Glisson Square, said he last saw his son on the morning before his death, when he was looking forward to going out to celebrate his friend Ross’s 18th birthday that evening.
Ross Parks told the inquest how he and David bought a bottle of Aftershock and a bottle of Jack Daniels before going to the rave.
Martin Hambling, of Ranelagh Road, said David was behaving strangely when he saw him walking past his home. He said: “I got a face-to-face view and his eyes were wide like saucers.”
Home Office pathologist Dr Michael Heath said David’s death was caused by immersion in water and a hypothermic episode.
A toxicologist report found alcohol in his blood, plus traces of the drugs ecstasy and cannabis. Dr Dean recorded an open verdict. Outside, David’s mother Susan, 38, said she was relieved it was all over.
Mr Hambling, an ambulance technician, said he saw David walk into a fence three times in a row, run across a busy road and throw himself on another small fence where he rocked backwards and forwards on his belly.
Published Monday, April 22, 2002
