Darren Docherty: Prevention of future deaths report
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Date of report: 14/04/2024
Ref: 2024-0197
Deceased name: Darren Docherty
Coroner name: Emma Serrano
Coroner Area: Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent
Category: State Custody related deaths | Suicide (from 2015)
This report is being sent to: HMP Stoke Health | Local Authority for Stoke on Trent
| REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS | |
|---|---|
| THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: HMP Stoke Heath Local Authority for Stoke on Trent | |
| 1 | CORONER I am Emma Serrano, Assistant Coroner, for the Coroner area of Staffordshire |
| 2 | CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. |
| 3 | INVESTIGATION and INQUEST On the 1st September 2023, I commenced an investigation into the death of Mr Darren Clifford Docherty. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8 April 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was a short form conclusion of suicide. The cause of death was: 1a Ligature Suspension |
| 4 | CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH Mr Docherty was released from HMP Stoke Heath on the 4 August 2023. He had a history of mental health difficulties, self-harm and drug abuse. On his release from prison he had no accommodation. This meant that he was unable to be referred to the Community Mental Health Team or access a GP.On the 10 August 2023 he was found hanging from a tree in a woodland area between Whittle Road and Mollison Road in Stoke-on-Trent. |
| 5 | CORONER’S CONCERNS During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. 1. That when people are released from prison they do so, on many occasions, with no accommodation. Those that need GP access and community mental health services are unable to access them in these circumstances. |
| 6 | ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action. |
| 7 | YOUR RESPONSE You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, namely by 11 June 2024. Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. |
| 8 | COPIES and PUBLICATION I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested Persons: Family of the deceased; Stoke-on-Trent Probation Service The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response, about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. |
| 9 | 14 April 2023 Miss Emma Serrano Area Coroner Staffordshire Area |