Leeds man in roof fall death was in grip of ‘drug-induced paranoia’

A TERRIFIED Leeds man in the grip of a drug-fuelled paranoia fell to his death after convincing himself he was being chased by an armed mob, an inquest heard.

Nicolai Brown, 27, of Wyther Park Close, died from severe head injuries, similar to those sustained in a car crash, after climbing onto a roof in Armley.

A murder investigation was launched but a post mortem revealed the serious skull fracture was consistent with a fall.

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A 43-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident was released without charge.

Wakefield Coroners Court heard Mr Brown was under the influence of methamphetamine before being discovered by police on October 5.

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “It became clear [...] that this man had been experiencing drug-induced paranoia.

“The evidence suggests that under the influence of controlled drugs, he has climbed onto the roof and slipped [...] causing a fatal and catastrophic injury.”

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The inquest heard Mr Brown called police at 8pm on October 5 to say he was being chased by four men with a gun, and he was hiding near KFC on Stanningley Road. When police arrived they found no sign of him.

At 9.20pm, officers were called to reports of a man banging on a door at a house on Moorfield Avenue, saying he had been attacked and demanding to be let inside.

An officer who attended the scene heard a loud bang from nearby Back Moorfield Terrace.

Det supt Wallen added: “The officer could see blood flowing from beneath the gate. She tried to resuscitate him and paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Coroner David Hinchliff adjourned the inquest for further enquiries.