Investigation and inquest
On 1st November 2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Liam Joseph LYES-WATSON, 26.
The inquest concluded with evidence being heard on the 19th of July 2022 with subsequent reasons in writing following a review of body worn video footage.
The conclusion of the inquest was Suicide. The medical cause of death was 1a) Fatal Opioid Toxicity.
Circumstances of the death
On the 26th October 2021 Liam was found deceased in ████████, ████████ Shrewsbury, Shropshire. There were no suspicious circumstances and no evidence of third party involvement in his death.
The inquest heard that Liam had been struggling with his mental health in the weeks preceding his death. He and his mother, and subsequently his step-father, contacted the Access Team on the 20th & 25th October 2021. Following the second telephone call by Liam’s step-father the call handler said that without Liam’s consent they could not take action and if the situation was acute they should ring emergency services as they had previously done on the 20th October 2021.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Four areas of concern are;
a. The call handler on the second occasion was not trained and needed to take professional advice from a colleague which colleague did not then speak directly with the caller.
b. The apparent blanket response that they could not discuss the case with the caller yet they could take information from him.
c. With that information more should have been done.
d. Consideration should be given whether incoming calls to the Access Team should be recorded.