Sex abuse arrest teacher Alan Williams took overdose

A teacher arrested as part of a sex abuse inquiry at a private school in Suffolk died after taking an overdose of pills, an inquest has heard.

Alan Williams, 59, was found at his home in Stowupland Street, Stowmarket, on 10 June last year, eight days after police extended his bail.

The inquiry related to his time at St George's School, Great Finborough, in the 1980s.

A coroner, sitting in Bury St Edmunds, ruled Mr Williams killed himself.

Police found six "sealed and individually addressed envelopes" at Mr Williams' address.

'Multiple drug overdose'

They contained "detailed instructions for his friends and family following his death", the inquest heard.

Mr Williams was found in a bed at about 11:25 BST, with a copy of his will left on his bedside table.

Police forced entry into the property after Mr Williams' sister, Gillian Ward, raised concerns about his welfare.

Empty packets of pills were found inside the property.

Post-mortem tests found he died from a "multiple drug overdose" combined with a pre-existing heart condition.

Coroner Dr Peter Dean said: "It's clear from the circumstances and also all of the various pieces of evidence arising from the scene that Mr Williams clearly considered and intended the consequences of his actions."

Historical allegations

He recorded a verdict that Mr Williams "took his own life".

Mr Williams was arrested in February over an investigation into incidents at the former St George's School.

At the time of his arrest he had been working as a teacher at Ashfold School in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

A spokeswoman for the school said he was suspended following his arrest.

Police inquiries confirmed that none of the allegations against Mr Williams related to his time at the Buckinghamshire school.

The arrest of Mr Williams followed the conviction of St George's former headteacher Derek Slade for more than 50 offences including child sex abuse and assault.

Slade, of Burton-on-Trent, is currently serving a 21-year sentence.