Bolton man, 35, dies after New Year drug and alcohol binge

He suffered a seizure linked to drug toxicity.

Leon Anthony Bent, of Central Place, Bolton, was pronounced dead at Royal Bolton Hospital on January 11, 2026, following 11 days in intensive care.

The hearing before coroner Michael J Pemberton, heard that Mr Bent had taken cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol during a New Year’s Eve “blowout” before becoming unwell the following day.

A report was read out at the inquest which stated that Mr Bent had “binged on cocaine, amphetamines and a large amount of solid food” the night before his collapse.

Evidence showed that on January 1, Mr Bent attended his parents’ home in Farnworth, where he appeared unwell.

Later that day, he suffered a prolonged seizure, with his body tensing and eyes rolling back.

An ambulance was called, and he was still fitting when paramedics arrived.

He was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital and placed into an induced coma in intensive care.

Despite treatment, he remained severely respiratory compromised and never recovered.

A post-mortem examination found Mr Bent had aspirated a large volume of stomach contents during the seizure, leading to severe aspiration pneumonia – a serious chest infection caused by inhaling vomit into the lungs.

The medical cause of death was given as aspiration pneumonia, caused by seizures brought on by drug toxicity.

The inquest heard that while it was not possible to confirm specific drug levels post-mortem, there was no other clear explanation for the seizures.

Detective Inspector Janet Malone said there was no evidence of third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances.

A statement from Mr Bent’s mother, Maxine Bent, described him as a “family-oriented man who enjoyed spending time at home and with his dog, Roxy.”

The inquest heard Mr Bent had faced challenges throughout his life, including a brain tumour diagnosed at 18 months old, which required multiple surgeries and left him with short-term memory difficulties.

The inquest heard he had recently received the keys to a new flat, saving money to furnish it.

Coroner Mr Pemberton concluded that Mr Bent died as a result of a drug-related incident.

He recorded a conclusion of death due to aspiration pneumonia, seizures and drug toxicity, noting that despite medical intervention, efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.