DEATH BLAMED ON DRUGS

The father of a 22-year-old who hanged himself has blamed his son's
death on regular cannabis use. Sam Gibbs was found hanging in his
garage, at Aspen Croft, Stafford, on August 3 by his brother and
father. An inquest at Cannock Coroner's Court heard that Mr Gibbs had
become introverted after he started smoking cannabis heavily.

Derek Gibbs, Sam's father, said: "People who say it doesn't affect
character are complete fools."

South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh said Mr Gibbs had not
received any medical treatment but it was likely he was depressed.

He said: "He had lost his job in November and had gone into a bit of a
shell. This may well be linked with cannabis use."

He ruled that Mr Gibbs had committed suicide.