Man was found dead in wooded area after battle with alcoholism, inquest hears
Wainford Road, Bungay. PHOTO: Google Maps - Credit: Archant
A “hard-working” father was found dead after a lengthy battle with alcoholism.
Benjamin Plumb took his own life on January 12, Suffolk’s area coroner, Jacqueline Devonish, concluded following an inquest into his death on Thursday, November 19.
The 34-year-old night driver lived on Wainford Road, Bungay and was found in a wooded area.
A member of the public found Mr Plumb and tried to shake him awake before leaving to flag down a passing car to alert the emergency services.
Flowers had been placed at the scene by friends and family in the days following Mr Plumb’s death.
You may also want to watch:
The inquest, held at Suffolk Coroner’s Court, heard a statement from Mr Plumb’s ex-partner Phillipa Holmes, who had known Mr Plumb since September 2013.
She said he used alcohol as an escape.
Most Read
- 1 'Lucky number seven' - Landlord opens 'flagship' pub in hometown
- 2 Driver suffers minor injuries in crash with minibus
- 3 Picturesque Bungay retirement home officially Grade II listed
- 4 'On top of the world' - Joy as shops new and old reopen in Beccles
- 5 Teenage drink driver to appear in court after crash
- 6 Tools stolen in spate of van break-ins
- 7 'Complete negligence' - anger as sports clubs locked out of playing fields
- 8 Emergency works cause early morning traffic chaos on A47
- 9 Charity shops see record sales and donations after reopening
- 10 Arson probe after flames from lit aerosol cans cause late night damage
Mr Plumb had moved into Ms Holmes’ parents’ home in December 2013, but had been drinking in the mornings.
She said: “As a drunk, Ben was completely different to when he was sober.
“I strongly believe he used alcohol as a coping mechanism rather than to admit his unhappiness.”
She added: “We didn’t go a day without speaking to each other. We needed each other and I still need him.”
The couple split after an incident on holiday in 2019, and Mr Plumb temporarily moved back into his parent’s house, before becoming homeless.
Shortly afterwards, Mr Plumb attempted to take his own life but changed his mind, telling paramedics he had a “lucky escape” and “wasn’t ready to die.”
The inquest heard Mr Plumb would regularly visit his ex-partner and their child before an argument days before his death.
A search of Mr Plumb’s home by police following his death found a note apologising for his actions.
Mr Plumb had reported a history of alcohol and drug use since he was 12-years-old and, at one stage, would drink an average of 18 cans of lager each day.
If you need help and support, call Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust’s First Response helpline 0808 196 3494 or the Samaritans on 113 123 - 24 hours 7 days a week.
