Christopher Gill: Paramedic died under child abuse images probe

Christopher Gill was one of three East of England Ambulance Service workers to die within 11 days

A student paramedic whose death formed part of an ambulance service investigation into suicides killed himself while under investigation over child abuse images, an inquest heard.

Christopher Gill was one of three East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) workers to die over 11 days in 2019.

Mr Gill, 41, of Hertfordshire, reported suicidal intentions after being spoken to by police, the court was told.

Coroner Geoffrey Sullivan concluded he took his own life.

The deaths of Mr Gill, from Welwyn Garden City; Luke Wright, of Norwich; and Richard Grimes, of Luton, in November 2019 led to an independent report recommending EEAS must do more to support the mental health of staff and prevent suicides.

Mr Gill had been suspended by the NHS ambulance trust because of the police investigation.

He presented at hospital in September 2019, days after he was spoken to by police, the coroner's court in Hatfield was told.

Mr Sullivan said it was "clear that, as a direct result of the criminal investigation, Mr Gill began to report these suicidal thoughts".

The inquest heard he had a number of contacts with mental health services, but Mr Sullivan was not satisfied "any action or inaction" by mental health services contributed to his death.

Procedures 'followed'

But Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health services, found in its internal review that there was the need to avoid "unconscious bias in assessing service users" under investigation for criminal offences with children.

He was found dead on 15 November at his flat after police forced entry following a call by his ex-partner who was concerned for his welfare.

His cause of death was hypoxic brain injury.

A Hertfordshire Police spokeswoman said Mr Gill was interviewed by police in connection with the download of indecent images of children in August 2019, but he had not been arrested.

She added: "When a person is interviewed or arrested in connection with a sexual offence against a child, they are offered advice around how to deal with their situation.

"Often, referrals are also made to mental health services to ensure the person has access to support if they require it.

"Hertfordshire Constabulary is satisfied that this procedure was followed in this particular case."

An EEAS spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with our colleague's friends, family and co-workers at this difficult time.

"We have a range of support in place for our staff, including confidential counselling services, a wellbeing hub providing rapid assessment and access to local mental health services, as well as specific support for any colleagues who have experienced traumatic incidents."

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