Bournemouth hotel worker’s family demand answers over killing

Travelodge staff had observed Cole “acting strangely” and the hotel chain would not have accepted his booking if it had known about his background, the coroner previously heard.

He had a history of violence and was being investigated by police for assaults which occurred while inside HMP Winchester, a pre-inquest hearing was told.

Prison clinicians had wanted to refer him to a psychiatric intensive care unit, but no space was available.

Giving evidence to the inquest, forensic toxicologist Mark Tyler said the killer had “very low” levels of his prescribed olanzapine in his blood when he was arrested.

Dorset coroner Rachael Griffin said the supply of pills had been due to last until 23 November.

The day before the attack, Cole’s family tried to get more medication from a GP, the coroner said.

However, the doctor did not issue a prescription because he felt it needed to be referred to an NHS community mental team, she added.

Mr Tyler said it was not clear whether any pills taken on 8 December would have had time to take effect before the attack the following day.