Jordan Everington died in November 2025 after being found face down and not breathing in a field
Middlesbrough Town Hall(Image: Copyright Unknown)
A Redcar man found in a field after his release from prison died from drug toxicity, an inquest has heard. Jordan Everington was found behind Staintondale Avenue, in Redcar, in the early hours of Saturday, November 8, last year.
An inquest, held at Middlesbrough’s Town Hall on Tuesday, June 16, heard how the 23-year-old died as a result of cocaine toxicity. Teesside Live previously reported how Cleveland Police issued an appeal for help in finding Mr Everington five days prior to his death.
A report, published by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman this week, confirms Mr Everington had been released from Holme House Prison on October 30, days before his death.
Officers who had been responding to reports of an attempted break-in in Dormanstown around 1.45am, and were shown CCTV. The officers began to conduct an area search for a suspect before they were requested to attend Staintondale Avenue, following a call from a resident who reported hearing “moaning coming from the field,” Paul Appleton, area coroner for Hartlepool and Teesside, said.
“[The caller] had gone out to the field,” he read from an officer’s statement. “A male was laid in overgrown grass.”
When officers arrived, a search was carried out but they did not initially locate the man, later confirmed to be Mr Everington. A drone was requested and a heat source was identified in the grass, 10 to 15m into the field.
“She could see a male laid on the floor, face down,” the coroner said. The inquest heard one handcuff was placed on his wrist and he was rolled onto his back.
Mr Everington was not breathing, said Mr Appleton. An ambulance was called and Cleveland Police officers began CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 3.03am.
A member of Mr Everington’s family questioned when the 23-year-old was uncuffed, saying: “They have cuffed someone who is half dead on the floor.” Adding: “It wasn’t necessary to put that cuff on him.”
The coroner’s court heard there was no evidence to suggest it was wrong to place the handcuff, and it was not within the scope of the inquest.
In response the handcuff being placed on Mr Everington, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Sewell, after the inquest, said: “Firstly, we would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Jordan Everington. We appreciate how difficult coroners’ inquests can be, as they require families to revisit the events that led to the loss of a loved one.
“On that night, our officers were responding to reports of a burglary received from a member of the public. Following a short search using a drone, Jordan was located in a field off Staintondale Avenue in Redcar.
“A single handcuff was applied once he was located; however, officers quickly became aware of his condition and immediately began administering life-saving CPR. An ambulance was called, but tragically, Jordan died at the scene.
“Officers acted quickly and appropriately during the incident, and the family have recognised their attempts to save Jordan’s life. We will continue to engage with the family and respond to any concerns they may raise with us.”
Cause of death
Home Office pathologist Nigel Cooper gave a proposed medical cause of death as cocaine toxicity. The inquest heard levels of other drugs including cannabis, were also found in his system.
Mr Everington also had a large number of skin injuries including bruises, scratches and marks which the pathologist was consistent with confused intoxicated behaviour. There was no evidence that he had been assaulted before his death.
The port mortem report outlined that two large wraps and a small plastic bag were found inside him. “The wraps contained white powder which appeared to be intact, however, it is possible that potentially one of the wraps have leaked producing a very high level of cocaine in his blood,” said the coroner.
Mr Appleton made a short form conclusion of drug-related death.
Prison and Probation Ombudsman report
The PPO looks at the deaths of recently released prisoners that occur within 14 days of release from prison. The report confirms that on April 19, 2024, Mr Everington was sentenced to 22 months in prison for violent disorder.
He was released on licence in September 2025 and recalled less than a month later for breaching his licence conditions. He spoke with the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Treatment team while in prison before his release on October 30.
Mr Everington did not attend his scheduled appointment with the Redcar Community Team the following day. On November 2, Cleveland Police received a report of an arson attack on a house in Redcar, the report states.
It continued that, the following day the force told the Probation Service they wanted to speak to Mr Everington in relation to offences of criminal damage and arson with intent to endanger life. The report adds: “Cleveland Police said they were concerned that Mr Everington was injured and they were treating him as a high-risk missing person.”
On November 4, Mr Everington did not attend his probation appointment and told his community offender manager on the phone that he did not attend because he was wanted by the police. He said he was not injured other than a slight cut to his hand.
Efforts were made to locate Mr Everington and the manager spoke to members of his family. Recall procedures were started the day before the 23-year-old’s death.
The report states: “Mr Everington had a long history of drug use. He was warned of the dangers of drug use and offered appropriate support. We did not identify any significant learning relating to the pre-release planning or post-release supervision of Mr Everington. We make no recommendations.”
Addiction help signposting
If you or someone you know has been affected by addiction, you can call your local substance misuse services for support.
- ACT Middlesbrough substance misuse services 01642 726800
- Thrive (we are with you) Redcar 01642 265532-
- Change grow live Stockton 01642 673888
- STRIDE We are with you Darlington 01325 809 810
- START – Substance Misuse Service Hartlepool (01429) 285000
- North Yorkshire horizons,(Great Ayton) Northallerton 01723 330730
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