Powys computer restorer died of natural causes despite having consumed drugs

A Llandrindod Wells computer restorer died from natural causes even though he had consumed numerous drugs.

Joel Benedict Grounds died at his home address at The Berkeley on Temple Street on August 30 2025.

An inquest into his death was opened on September 11 2025 and it was adjourned for further information.

The inquest hearing resumed at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on September 2 2026 heard before H M Coroner David Regan in the South Wales Central Coroner Area.

Mr Regan heard that Mr Grounds' medical cause of death was pneumonia, cardiomegaly and fatty liver disease.

Mr Grounds, aged 50, had a history of bipolar affective disorder, schizo-affective schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, drug and alcohol misuse. He resided alone.

On August 30 2025 he was discovered by police officers conducting a welfare check at the request of his mother who had become concerned at a deterioration in his mental state and a recent lack of contact. The property was secure.

Mr Regan heard officers forced entry and found Mr Grounds deceased on his bed in the presence of prescription drugs and possible illicit drugs.

A post mortem examination identified that he had consumed pregabalin, buprenorphine, ketamine and codeine but that these were not present at toxic levels.

It revealed that he suffered cardiomegaly and fatty liver disease and had died from pneumonia.

Mr Regan concluded that Mr Grounds died of natural causes.

Mr Grounds was born on March 30 1975 in Oxford, he was a computer restorer and was the widower of Stacey Grounds, antiques dealer.