Man Jailed for Poisoning Woman’s Coffee Sweetener with Prescription Drugs
Four Years Inside for Dangerous Attack
Christopher Connolly, 30, from Chatham, has been locked up for four years after spiking a woman’s coffee sweetener with prescription medication. The victim, someone he knew, suffered cognitive problems including memory loss but escaped serious physical injury.
Poisoning Over Weeks
Between 21 December 2018 and 3 January 2019, Connolly crushed pills and secretly mixed doses of codeine, naproxen, clozapine, furosemide, and paracetamol into her sweetener multiple times a day. The victim unwittingly ingested the poisons for weeks.
Confession on 999 Call
Kent Police launched an investigation after Connolly called 999 in panic on 3 January 2020, admitting to adding a larger dose that day. Tests confirmed the drugs in both the sweetener and the victim’s urine.
Justice Served
Initially charged with attempted murder and administering poison with intent, Connolly pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent at Maidstone Crown Court. He was also slapped with a restraining order banning him from contacting or approaching the victim.
“Connolly is a cunning man who went to unthinkable lengths to harm a woman who inherently trusted him,” said DC Dameon Shaw. “His actions were those of an incredibly dangerous person and I am relieved he received a significant custodial sentence. Our thoughts are with the victim, who will no doubt need support and time to recover from her ordeal.”
