Northern Ireland

Vulnerable man dies 'after pub strangers make him take drugs'

Antoin Martin died in the early hours of Sunday at his home in the Whiterock area of west Belfast
Antoin Martin died in the early hours of Sunday at his home in the Whiterock area of west Belfast Antoin Martin died in the early hours of Sunday at his home in the Whiterock area of west Belfast

A VULNERABLE man has died after he was encouraged to take drugs in a west Belfast bar, his family has said.

Antoin Martin, who had a plate in his head after suffering life-changing injuries as a five-year-old when he was knocked down by a car, died in the early hours of Sunday in his Whiterock home, despite efforts by his sister and paramedics to save him.

The 27-year-old's family believe the young man was given drugs in a bar by strangers on Saturday night, and took them, not understanding what they were.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances of Mr Martin's death.

Speaking to the Irish News, Niamh Martin said her family have been left "angry" that he would be targeted in such a way.

The mother-of-one, who described her brother as a "caring" person, who always wanted to "fit in", believes her brother was "intimidated".

Read More: PSNI: 10 suspected drugs-related deaths in greater Belfast area since December

Ms Martin said her brother had gone out with family on Saturday night, returning home less than two hours later, where he became frightened.

She said Antoin told his mother that someone had "gave him tablets" and he "didn't want to take them".

"He started to get afraid, trying to tell mummy, he couldn't tell. The drugs were taking over him. His body was just taken over," she said.

Mr Martin's state then deteriorated as he began taking fits before he stopped breathing.

Despite efforts by his sister and paramedics, who used a defibrillator, Mr Martin died in the early hours of Sunday.

His death comes as police continue to investigate 10 drug-related deaths in Belfast over the festive period, which may be linked to illegal or prescription drugs.

Ms Martin said her brother had never taken drugs before and "wouldn't even had thought about it".

"I believe that he was afraid and he was trying to fit in, and the drugs were offered and he did it to try and fit in and when he got home, he was afraid. It was too late," she said.

She said her brother had been left with life-changing injuries as a young boy when he was knocked down by a car.

After spending time in the hospital in a coma, a plate was fitted to his head, leaving him vulnerable in day to day life.

In addition, two years ago, the young man suffered severe burns in a fire in the Springhill area.

"We are angry," she said.

"They can't have known him, if they did, it's worse again. Anybody who knew him wouldn't even have given him a paracetamol.

"There's people out there who willingly go out and take drugs. He wouldn't even know what it is.

"I think he felt intimidated to do it or has been trying to fit in and then freaked out. There are people out there who just don't care".

Ms Martin described her brother as "happy-go-lucky".

"He never complained about anything at all and had suffered so much throughout his short life," she said.

"He had a bad car accident at just five years old, which was life changing, and he also fell into a fire and suffered severe burns two years ago, and not once did he say he was sore. His mindset wasn’t like others at his age, he was innocent like a child.

"He loved life and his life in particular, despite having faced great adversity as a young child. With the love and caring from his parents and family he progressed and faced every challenge with the most marvellous attitude and smile".

Ms Martin said her brother "loved his family and his god-daughter".

"He was always trying to give to everybody and make everybody around him laugh," she said.

"He would talk to anyone. He was the type of person who would walk down the street and name people by their names. He would wave at people and keep waving until they waved back.

"He would have done anything for me and his family. He would give you his last".

Ms Martin said her family had been left "numb" by Antoin's sudden death.

"We are shattered into a million pieces. Nothing worse can happen".

A PSNI spokesman said: "Police attended the report of a sudden death of a man in the Whiterock Area of west Belfast on Sunday, 6th January.

"A post-mortem has been carried out along with a number of further tests. The results of the tests will be returned in due course. There are no further details at this stage".