Leighton Alan Dickens · Prevention of Future Deaths report

A Coronial investigation was commenced on 27th October 2020 into the death of Leighton Alan Dickens. The Investigation concluded at the end of the inquest which I conducted with a jury on 18th – 28th September 2023. The conclusion was a narrative conclusion and the medical cause of death was 1 (a) pressure on the neck (incomplete or atypical hanging)

These were recorded as: -

Leighton Dickens died by incomplete atypical hanging alone in his home address on 14th October 2020.

The narrative conclusion which the Jury returned was:

Leighton Dickens died by hanging himself in circumstances where his intention could not be ascertained. It is the juries understanding, that it was a missed opportunity on the part of the police not to detain Leighton Dickens at hospital until he had been assessed by a Mental Health Professional.

The Inquest focused upon: -

a. Mr Dickens’ mental health condition and behaviour on the night of his death.

b. The fact that police officers came upon him by the side of the road in an undressed state in the presence of his partner who was trying to convey him to hospital.

c. His presentation and behaviour towards the officers before during and after arrival at hospital

d. The decision by officers not to invoke their powers under s. 136 Mental Health Act and to leave Mr Dickens at hospital in circumstances in which they knew that he had not been subject to medical assessment and intended to leave.

e. The limited sources of support available to assist or guide the officers.

(1) Following the withdrawal of the mental health triage support provided to the police by mental health nurses, the medically qualified sources of urgent support available to police officers to assist them to safeguard the public are limited to the mental health crisis teams.

(2) The crisis teams may not be readily available and deal with their own case load.

(3) The alternative support available from a mental health tactical adviser, is not provided by a clinically qualified member of staff and does not have access to the PARIS mental health records system.

(4) The intended replacement of the mental health triage support was to have been by the “111 press 2” service. This has not been put in to place and there is no current timescale for it to be put into place.

(5) This leaves officers with limited sources of qualified mental health advice, with access to relevant clinical records, when responding to the risks posed by those suffering from mental health crisis within the community