Exclusive:Portsmouth university student named in Canadian criminal's case as cause of death confirmed
Joshua Warner died after buying poison online, an inquest has heard.
The cause of death of a University of Portsmouth student has been confirmed as an inquest into his passing continues.
Joshua Warner died on January 31, 2023, at Rosalind Franklin Halls in Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth. The 21-year-old, who had been studying psychology, purchased poison online from Kenneth Law, 57, from Mississauga, Canada, who has since pleaded guilty to aiding suicide.
A three-day inquest into Joshua’s death began at Winchester Coroner’s Court yesterday (Monday, August 25), where the medical cause of death was confirmed via a post-mortem.
Joshua was one of more than 70 people in the UK who died after buying poison online from Law. While the Canadian does not face charges here, their deaths formed part of the criminal case against him in his homeland.
Hannah Smith, senior crime officer at the National Crime Agency (NCA), said: “The NCA received records that Joshua Warner ordered from a company website registered to Kenneth Law, to the value of $81.72.
“The victims in England and Wales would be included as part of his sentencing in Canada. There was an agreed statement of facts presented to the Canadian court, outlining the supply from Kenneth Law to each victim. Joshua’s name was included in that document.
“Law sent 330 products to the UK, as per the court file. This contributed to the deaths of 79 vitcims in the UK.”
A post-mortem report from Dr Brett Lockyer was also read out by coroner Nicholas Walker. Here, Dr Lockyer confirmed Joshua’s medical cause of death.
Following a toxicology report, Joshua’s cause of death was recorded as intoxication from a highly toxic substance.
While the substance was specifically named in court, The News has chosen to omit this from publication, based on guidance from Samaritans on reporting suicide - as well as at the recommendation of the coroner.
The court heard how the substance is available in the UK, but is not sold to individuals.
During the course inquest, the coroner is hearing from medical professionals who were seeing Joshua for his mental health problems, as well as his family and friends.
If you've been affected and bereaved by suicide, Cruse is a dedicated service providing free and confidential support across Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Call 0330 555 0129, or visit supportaftersuicideship.org.uk
If you need urgent help with your mental health, there is free support available 24/7 from:
Samaritans - call 116 123
Shout - text HANTS to 85258
NHS - call 111 and select the mental health option, or in an emergency, call 999