Bartholomew Patrick Coleman · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 1st February 2018, an investigation was commenced into the death of Bartholomew Patrick Coleman, who was born on the 12th March 1945.

The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on the 18th July 2018.

The Medical Cause of Death was:

Ia Multiple Injuries

The conclusion of the Inquest was Bartholomew Patrick Coleman took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.

On 24th January 2018, Mr Coleman accessed the train track near to his home address. He lay on the track as a train approached. Mr Coleman was struck by the train and died instantly.

1. During the inquest evidence was heard that:

i. The likely point at which Mr Coleman accessed the railway line was a bridge on Sondecoates Road, Poole, near to his home address. The bridge has a low brick wall separating the pavement from the area adjacent to the railway track. There is a trodden path through the undergrowth from the wall to the train track, indicating that this is a route that has been used by others to access this area.

2. I have concerns with regard to the following:

i. I understand children of school age cross the bridge to and from school. There is evidence to suggest that the area has been used by either groups or individuals to consume alcohol: there are discarded drinks containers in the area beyond the bridge and close to the train track. I am concerned that the railway track is easily accessible to members of the public from this bridge. In addition, there appears to be no warning as to the dangers presented by accessing this area.