Probe after man found dead

May 29 2008 By Gary Fanning

A MAN has been charged with supplying drugs after a 31-year-old died of a suspected overdose.

James Nelson became ill at a house in Parks View, Eddlewood, on Thursday.

He was taken to Hairmyres Hospital but died there that day.

The following day, Garry James Stewart, of Falconer Terrace, Fairhill, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court charged with supplying drugs.

Stewart made no plea or declaration when he appeared in private in front of a sheriff.

The 37-year-old was remanded in custody pending further police investigations.

Police sources told the Advertiser they received a call from the ambulance service on Thursday to say they had taken James to hospital.

They believed he was suffering from an overdose of drugs, possibly heroin.

Paramedics reported to police that James had died at hospital later that day.

A postmortem examination is scheduled to be carried out on James Nelson tomorrow (Friday).

James, whose funeral details have still to be arranged, is survived by his mother Isobel, brother Stephen (30) and 28-year-old sister Kirsty.

Speaking from her home in Eddlewood’s Forrest Avenue, a sobbing Isobel told the Advertiser: “James’s death has been really upsetting for us.

“We are still trying to come to terms with it.

“He was ill for a long time — now he’s at peace.

“That’s all I want to say.”

James, a former Quarter Primary and Hamilton Grammar pupil, was well-known in the Eddlewood area.

One mum, who lives in Parks View, was shocked to learn about his death.

“This is another young man who has died,” she said.

“It’s a shame.

“I was at the shop getting bread and milk when I heard what happened.

“It’s the family who are left to deal with it.

“My first thoughts are with Isobel. God love her.

“Her husband Jim, who was a bus driver, died young and Isobel had to bring up the children on her own.

“She was at her work when she found out about his death.

“You can only give guidance to your family and what they do is up to them.

“This is a quiet area and everyone keeps themselves to themselves.”