Defence claim pastor's wife found in bathtub 'died of heroin overdose': but brother denies she used drugs

The family of the British woman allegedly killed by her husband in Ghana has hit back at claims that she died of an accidental heroin overdose.

Charmain Speirs Adusah, a photographer originally from Arbroath, was married to Rev Eric Isaiah Adusah, a Ghanaian who is the leader of Global Light Revival Ministries Church, based in Tottenham but with branches in Edinburgh and Manchester. He and Charmain had visited Ghana for a Christian conference. Adusah is believed to have checked out of the hotel on the day his wife died, telling staff that his wife was staying on but was ill and did not wish to be disturbed.

According to local news reports, a post-mortem showed that she died of 'opiate heroin overdose'. Adusah's defence lawyer claimed in court that 41-year-old Charmain was a habitual heroin user and that her whole family were addicted to the drug.

However, her brother Paul told the Mail on Sunday that his sister had never touched drugs and it was "an outrageous lie" to say his family were all addicts.

He added: "The defence lawyer seems to be suggesting she had been a heroin addict for years but that's absolute rubbish."

He admitted that he had battled heroin addiction, but said that it had been his sister who ensured that he had received help from a Christian-run rehabilitation centre and that he had been drug-free for 10 years.

He also told the Mail that she would not have taken any such substances of her own accord, adding: "My sister was always against drugs."

Adusah has been charged with murder and is in prison on remand. The case has been adjourned until later this month.

related articles
Pastor of London church arrested after pregnant wife found dead in bathtub
Pastor of London church arrested after pregnant wife found dead in bathtub

Pastor of London church arrested after pregnant wife found dead in bathtub

News
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world

4 October is St Francis’s Day, when Christians around the world remember the life and witness of Francis of Assisi. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. This is the story …

Majority back Ireland’s three-day abortion waiting period, poll finds
Majority back Ireland’s three-day abortion waiting period, poll finds

A new poll has found majority support for retaining Ireland’s mandatory three-day waiting period before an abortion, as lawmakers continue to consider legislation that would remove the requirement.

ONS figures show 'good' outlook for married couples
ONS figures show 'good' outlook for married couples

The Coalition for Marriage (CFM) has welcomed new figures suggesting that married couples are increasingly staying together.

Christians condemn sexual violence following UN report on Russia-Ukraine conflict
Christians condemn sexual violence following UN report on Russia-Ukraine conflict

Most cases of sexual violence documented were against male prisoners of war.