Kieran Prime died after drinking lethal amounts of alcohol

The body of Kieran Prime, of Poplar Close in New Costessey, was discovered inside his house during the early hours of the morning on January 2. 

A friend, who described Mr Prime as “like family”, went to check on him as he had not heard from him since New Year’s Eve.

He entered at around 4am and found the property unlocked and Mr Prime “unresponsive” on the floor.

Norfolk Coroner's Court at County Hall, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

The friend dialled 999, but Mr Prime was later declared dead at the scene by paramedics. 

Due to the circumstances surrounding his death – including large bruising to his back – police launched an investigation. 

Speaking at the inquest, which took place at Norfolk Coroner’s Court on November 15, assistant coroner Christopher Leach said: “Police initially had been suspicious about the cause of death, given the bruising on his body which may have been caused by blunt force trauma.  

“However, further investigations resolved those suspicions. 

“Police found significant evidence of alcohol consumption, such as empty beer cans and vodka bottles at the address. 

“The conclusion was that despite the circumstances surrounding Mr Prime’s death, the police concluded that his death was non-suspicious.” 

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Dr Paul Smith, who carried out a forensic toxicology report, revealed that Mr Prime had "consumed significant levels of alcohol prior to death, within the range associated with fatalities.” 

The medical cause of death was given as acute alcohol toxicity. 

Mr Leach recorded a conclusion of an alcohol-related death. 

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