Charlotte represented the family on a pro bono basis at Suffolk Coroner’s Court in a three day inquest looking at mental health and support for vulnerable persons. The inquest investigated the death of a young man with a complex history of mental health diagnoses, admissions to hospital, and episodes of living in supported housing.
In February 2017, the young man’s mental health diagnoses were rescinded and secondary mental health care was withdrawn, following clinical opinion that his problems were related to drug induced psychosis rather than any enduring mental health issues. The Inquest was broad in scope, hearing evidence from treating clinicians, secondary mental health care providers, supported housing officers, and drug and alcohol support teams. Evidence was also heard from his mother, who felt that whilst he was an exceptionally bright child she had always suspected that he had mental health issues. She accepted that he was known to ‘self-medicate’ with illicit substances. He was admitted to hospital under section in February, July, and August 2017 with diagnoses of drug induced psychosis, and was discharged latterly with full capacity, but with no secure home to go to and no plan for follow up. He was found a few days later barely breathing in a local park and later died in hospital. In the interim, the police were called to two attendances at local homeless shelters where he was residing.
After hearing a wide range of evidence relevant to the issues raised, the Coroner concluded that the issues had narrowed. He had died as the result of an accident, from a head injury following a likely fall caused by alcohol intoxication.
Charlotte was instructed by Marianne Harrington at Fosters.
