Drug Overdose Death: Manslaughter Accused In Court

Christopher Brooking

A man accused of unlawful killing in relation to the drug death of a father-of-four, who overdosed in a Kingston-upon-Thames flat, appeared in court for the first time yesterday.

Christopher Alan Peter Brooking, 46, of Queen's Road, Twickenham spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a brief hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

He is charged with the manslaughter of William Boots, 43, at 6 Perry Court, 26-28 Old London Road on May 16, last year.

Brooking was initially arrested the same day on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and later on suspicion of manslaughter.

Teddington man Mr. Boots was previously employed as a technician at Teddington Tyres in Kingston Road and was working for a cleaning company at the time of his death.

Paramedics were called to Perry Court, an affordable homes development managed by housing association Paragon at 2.30am, but were unable to revive Mr. Boots.

Brooking was bailed to appear at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing on March 19 on condition he does not contact any member of Mr. Boots' family and resides at his current address.