Dead man's mental health records 'inadequate'

The inquest heard Mr Hurst was deemed fit to be interviewed and released from custody

A man who was found dead two days after being released from custody by police might still be alive if his mental health notes had not been "inadequate", a coroner has said.

John Hurst was arrested by Northumbria Police on suspicion of drug possession and released under investigation, but his body was found two days later.

Sunderland assistant coroner David Place told both the force and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust (CNTW), who assessed Mr Hurst as fit to be interviewed and released, they should take action to prevent future deaths.

CNTW said it was working with police to review its processes to address the coroner's concerns. The force has been approached for comment.

A document published by the coroner this week, known as a prevention of future deaths report, said Mr Hurst was initially arrested on 12 September 2021 in connection with the death of his father, for whom he was the main carer.

The corner said he was "quickly de-arrested" for that offence and re-arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance.

Mr Hurst had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and history of attempting suicide.

'Distinct lack of detail'

Police officers had raised concerns about his mental health, the report said.

"[This was] due to John’s demeanour, the volume and content of the notes found at the scene," said Mr Place.

Mr Hurst's sister also raised concerns about a "risk of him ending his life upon release".

CNTW staff who assessed Mr Hurst - and were told of his sister's concerns - said he was fit to be interviewed and released.

He left custody at about 16:00 BST on 13 September 2021 but, two days later, his body was found by a passer-by near train tracks.

The inquest heard the custody sergeant completed a risk assessment for Mr Hurst's release using a record that "contained limited information about the concerns of police officers and John’s sister", the coroner said.

He had partly relied on an assessment by CNTW but there was a "distinct lack of detail" and "very little analysis" of how CNTW had come to its conclusion, Mr Place said.

"I am concerned that the information on the electronic custody record was inadequate," said Mr Place's report.

CNTW and Northumbria police have 56 days to respond to the coroner's concerns and outline what action they have taken or propose to take.

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