Darren Brown · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 15th May 2014 I opened an inquest into the death of Mr Darren Brown, who died on 3rd March 2014 at Lambeth Hospital.

I concluded the inquest at a full hearing on 6th August 2015.
The medical cause of death was

1a Asphyxia
1b Ligature compression of the neck.

The jury concluded he committed suicide

The circumstances were recorded in a narrative and included this:
“There were a number of contributory factors leading to his death. Documented mental health issues including Aspergers syndrome and depression, his lack of social support and interaction and the deaths and separation from close family members. Other factors included imminent appearance at court...”

The court also heard that he was about to appear at the police station but the evidence was mixed whether he was stressed or not about this. It would appear from the evidence that he knew he was to be charged with a criminal offence, before he committed suicide.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed that he was prevented from contacting his mother or sister and that they were not even aware of the circumstances nor consulted about this decision. The evidence suggested that both the deceased and his relatives regretted the complete cessation of communications.

Mr Brown was an extremely vulnerable adult and professional evidence was heard about his high risk of suicide and his incapacity to make friends and how crucial his reliance was on his mother and sister. The prevention of any communication was a factor which led to his taking his life.

Whilst the details of the offences being investigated were not disclosed to the jury, but were known to the coroner, it is clear that there may have been good reason to restrict contact between members of the family. However the matter of concern is whether in making that decision, proper consideration was given to balancing those needs or risks with the very acute needs of and risks to the deceased.

It is of great public concern that the needs and risks of prospective defendants, who are (not infrequently) suffering from mental health problems and are vulnerable are taken into account in setting bail conditions or making restrictions on support to them. The inquest did not permit exploration of the possible charges or the decisions of the police, mindful of the proper scope of enquiry and the need to respect Convention rights about what may enter the public domain.