Paul Anthony CHASE · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 25 March 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Paul Anthony CHASE, also known as PAUL ANTHONY MALONE, aged 41 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 11 October 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was that:

Paul Anthony Chase, also known as Paul Anthony Malone, died by Suicide.

Paul had a medical history of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse (cocaine). On the morning of 13 March 2024 Paul was found deceased hanging in Woolton Woods off School Lane, Liverpool, ████████. The toxicological analysis revealed the presence of low levels of alcohol and cocaine. The post mortem examination found the medical cause of death to be:

1a Hanging

During the inquest evidence was heard how the specialist mental health services for veterans was limited and there was a lack of funding for the services, with some veterans who were desperate for help having to wait 18 months. Evidence was also heard about there being little mental health, alcoholism and addiction support packages to those currently serving in the armed forces which is essentially when the PTSD starts to develop and limited mental health/alcoholism/addiction support for those having left the armed forces.

Paul Anthony Chase, also known as Paul Anthony Malone, was a 41 year old gentleman who had a medical history of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse (cocaine). On the morning of 13 March 2024 Paul was found deceased hanging in Woolton Woods off School Lane, Liverpool, ████████. The toxicological analysis revealed the presence of low levels of alcohol and cocaine. The post mortem examination found the cause of death to be hanging. Paul had been thought to be suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder since leaving the armed forces in 2009 but had not sought medical help until 2020. Over the last three years his mental health had deteriorated. In 2020 the social stresses he experienced resulted in his cocaine use to escalate. In December 2022 he attempted to ligature himself. Paul attended the Royal Liverpool University Hospital accident and emergency department on 22 November 2023 after recent contact with his GP and Mersey Care Crisis line due to suicidal ideations. He was then a voluntary patient at Windsor House Mental Health unit from 24 November 2023-15 December 2023. On 15 December 2023, Paul was discharged from Windsor House and placed in Tom Harrison House, a specialist addiction recovery service for armed forces veterans. This was a 12-week residential programme. On 1 January 2024 Paul tested positive for cocaine and as the Tom Harrison House had a zero tolerance to drugs and alcohol policy (clearly communicated to the residents so Paul would have been aware of this) Paul was asked to leave Tom Harrison House. Paul was given overnight accommodation on 1 January 2024 and then a 6 month support and accommodation package for him at The Block, County Rod, Walton, a veteran charity for rehabilitation for men in crisis. Paul then chose to go back home and there was no further contact. The care and treatment afforded to Paul through Mersey care and Tom Harrison House was reasonable and appropriate. It is more likely than not Paul did have PTSD on leaving the armed forces and it had remained dormant until the social stresses of life triggered the greater symptoms of PTSD. It is more likely than not Paul carried out the act of self-harm with the intention of taking his own life.

The lack of mental health/alcoholism/addiction support, treatment and therapy provided to veterans whilst they are:

1. Serving within the armed forces.
2. Undergoing intensive combat training whilstserving within the armed forces.
3. When they are released from the armed forces.

The availability of resources appears to be extremely limited with some ex-veterans having to wait 18 months before a place is available.