Investigation and inquest
On 5th February 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Kane Samuel Sparham-Price dob 19th October 1994. The investigation concluded on the 3rd September 2014 and the conclusion was that he took his own life. The medical cause of death was 1a Hanging
Circumstances of the death
This young man had lived most of his short life in care homes and foster homes. He had numerous problems including those connected with his mental health. Having attained the age of 18 years he had, among other things, taken out pay-day loans with Wonga.com: On the day of his death Wonga had, within the terms of their agreement with him, taken out part payment of the debt from his bank account by using the debit card details they had been given. He was thus left with no money in his account and because part of the debt was still outstanding he could not borrow any more. Later that day he was found hanging at his home address.
Coroner’s concerns
As shown in box 5 above, he was left with no money in his account and no means of borrowing any more. Whilst I accept that the various pay-day lenders are legally entitled to ‘clear out’ someone’s bank account if money is owing to them, it struck me that there ought to be a statutory minimum amount which MUST be left in an account (say £10.00) to avoid absolute destitution; and as I understand you set and regulate the rules, you might look at this with a view to preventing further deaths.