Tributes paid to social worker after night of heavy drinking

TRIBUTES from family and friends have flooded in for a dedicated social worker and father-of-three who died who died as a result of the abuse of alcohol during a night out.
Christopher Hull, 46, died on the morning of July 6 and his body was discovered on the kitchen floor by his friend Mark Hughes after a night of heavy drinking at Christchurch Festival.

The inquest on November 5 heard how Mr Hull, right, suffered long-term distress after having an allegation made against him while he was working at Bournemouth social services, of which he was completely cleared. His wife Julie said: “Chris was a loyal husband, a devoted father and a real family man.

“He touched the lives of many through his work as a social worker and was a well respected member of staff. His death has left a great big void in many people’s lives.”

Mr Hull was father to Jordan, 14, Joseph, 11 and Tallula, 5 and took a job at Dorset Social Services based in Ferndown after his name had been cleared.

The children said: “We love and miss our dad very much and will remember him always.”

The results of the post-mortem carried out by Dr Foria from Royal Bournemouth Hospital found that Mr Hull’s blood alcohol level was 302mg, three times the legal driving limit.

Cause of death was established as severe alcohol intoxication. Coroner Sheriff Payne said: “Mr Hull drank a great deal, sufficient to cause his death. But I cannot say that it was deliberate on his part.

“The verdict is that he died as a consequence of the abuse of alcohol.”

The whole Ferndown office closed for the day on July 18 for Mr Hull’s funeral service and hundreds of people attended to pay tribute to the social worker.