Investigation and inquest
On 21 February 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Kelly Marie Campbell. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8 August 2018. The conclusion of the inquest was that Kelly Marie killed herself. The jury added a narrative conclusion – Numerous failings of the state to protect her life contributed to her death.
Circumstances of the death
Kelly was a 17 year old girl who had suffered from bulimia nervosa for about a year. She had a history of self-harm and suicidal feelings. At the time of her death she was detained under s3 Mental Health Act in Rochford Hospital. She was found hanging bay ligature of shoe laces from light fitting in her bathroom.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The evidence revealed that some time previously Kelly’s shoe laces had been returned to her. The court accepts that this sort of decision is a clinical decision but wants to be assured that there are rigorous trust policies surrounding such decisions.
(2) Kelly’s mother lamented the fact that the physical surroundings in the rooms were so dreary – she cited magnolia paint everywhere, no colourful pictures to brighten up the environment etc. She observed that the lack of mobiles, a clock etc. in the rooms led to boredom in the long night hours.
Cont….