A man, referred to as a “self-serving coward” at an inquest, left his girlfriend dead in bed for 30 hours after discovering her unresponsive. Ryan Sheridan, now 34 years old, and Kimberley McAssey, 29, met at his flat on February 19, 2021, where they consumed MDMA and engaged in sexual activity. An inquest revealed that Kimberley displayed concerning symptoms like finger tapping and teeth grinding, possibly due to MDMA’s effects. After finding her unresponsive, Sheridan delayed contacting the authorities for fear of being arrested while under the influence of drugs and facing assault allegations.
It wasn’t until the morning of February 21, 2021, that Sheridan’s mother, Emma Heydon, who owned the flat in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, reported Kimberley’s death to the police. During the investigation, Sheridan admitted to waiting over 30 hours before seeking help, highlighting his self-serving nature. The coroner criticised Sheridan’s actions, stating his disregard for Kimberley’s well-being demonstrated his selfishness.
Kimberley, a mother and worker at Armstrongs chip shop, was described as a naïve user of drugs who didn’t regularly engage in substance abuse. The inquest revealed text messages exchanged between Kimberley and Sheridan before her death, indicating they had not been in contact for a while. Despite suspicions raised by authorities about the circumstances of Kimberley’s death, the exact cause remains unascertained due to insufficient evidence, with the date recorded as February 20, 2021.
The inquest shed light on the tragic events leading to Kimberley’s untimely demise, prompting reflections on the importance of timely interventions in such situations. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drug misuse and the need for individuals to prioritise the well-being of others over self-interest.
This harrowing case underscores the importance of prompt action in emergency situations and calls for greater awareness and vigilance when interacting with substances that can have potentially lethal effects. It is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of drug misuse on individuals and their loved ones, emphasizing the need for responsible and compassionate behaviour in times of crisis.