Alasdair Neal Penny · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 7 May 2014 an investigation into the death of Alasdair Neal PENNY aged 23 was commenced. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 17 March 2015.
The conclusion of the inquest (as found by the jury) was
Name of Deceased: Alasdair Neal Penny
Medical Cause of Death: 1(a) Multiple injuries
Circumstances of How, when and where the death came about: Unable to determine his intention
4th May 2014
Underneath Beeching Bridge, A22, East Grinstead, West Sussex
Conclusion of the inquest: Alasdair Penny Jumped from the College Lane Bridge, East Grinstead onto the A22 but the evidence does not fully disclose what his intention was.

This case concerned a 23 year old man who on Sunday 4 May 2014 jumped from a road bridge onto the road below. It had been the site of a similar suicide 3 years before (Will RAYNOR - in fact the 3rd anniversary was a couple of days before this incident) and there were floral tributes to be found there and friends of the previous case had gone there. The deceased was suffering from Paranoid Schizophrenia and had various difficulties with his family, as well as a pending court case. He was refusing to take medication. In the 2 days before his death he was seen by several people loitering on the bridge. At different times, police units attended and questioned him but none found him in a condition that warranted using their s.136 Mental Health Act 1983 powers. Eventually on 4 May 2014 he jumped just as a further police car approached (in a non-threatening way - i.e., no blue lights or sirens). There was evidence from the Healthcare professionals as well as various police officers.

This Bridge has been the site of 2 suicides in 2011 and 2014; I am unaware if there have been any other successful suicides at this location before then, but if so, not in the very recent past.
In each of the 2 cases the deceased jumped from the bridge on to the road below, a distance of 10-11 metres. The 2 footpaths that bound the carriageway each have a metal railing and the height of the railing is such that they can be quite easily mounted.
There is a series of discrete notices on the mesh infill to the railings, giving details, I understand, of the Samaritans.
I cannot, and do not, offer a solution I certainly recognise that merely raising the level of the railing may not prevent the determined person to climb up and jump. But it might well stop the spontaneous jumper.
I understand that I do not know whether it is possible/feasible to provide extra/or some other form of protection in order to make it more difficult for the bridge to be used as a suicide site.
However, I do believe that the whole situation should be reconsidered in case something can be reasonably implemented to minimise the possibility of a recurrence.