Thomas Cohen talks of Peaches’ addiction problems

At the inquest into Peaches Geldof’s death, her grieving husband told a candid tale of her drug addiction. Susannah Butter profiles the young musician raising their sons alone

THOMAS COHEN arrived alone at court. It was a sobering moment. The tall, attractive 24-year-old stood in front of the coroner at Gravesend Old Town Hall to answer questions with great dignity about the demise of the woman he loved, Peaches Geldof. Members of the press said they’d expected a show of strength from Geldof’s family, but, on the day, her husband chose to appear alone and without legal representation.

His long hair looked unkempt but he wore smart black trousers, a waistcoat and a tie. There was concern that he would stumble and he appeared extremely nervous, but didn’t break down, and the hesitant catch in his throat lessened as he carried on answering questions with moving honesty. Coroner Roger Hatch led Cohen through the evidence sensitively, prompting him to revisit the painful months earlier this year that led up to the death, from a heroin overdose, of the beloved mother of his two children.