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| Psychologist had toyed with
suicide |
Man found hanged at home
A FORENSIC clinical psychologist who confided to friends that
he had suicidal thoughts later hanged himself, an inquest has heard.
Doctors, paramedics and police officers tried for 40 minutes to
resuscitate James Richard Oerton, 39, who was found suspended from
a banister on April 20 this year, having left a suicide note.
The St Pancras inquest last Tuesday was told how Mr Oerton had been
found by his parents, who let themselves into his home in Burghley
Road, Kentish Town, after becoming concerned for his well-being.
His father, Richard, said his son had toyed around with the idea
of suicide, once rendering himself unconscious by pulling a belt
around his neck.
Psychiatrist Dr Charles Hindler said Mr Oerton had been referred
to him in February this year.
He added: “He suffered from a major depressive illness, which
could warrant treatment as an in-patient.”
Mr Oerton asked to switch medication after he became concerned about
the side-effects of his usual anti-depressants.
As his mental health deteriorated, he discussed being admitted to
hospital for treatment but fears that it would affect his employment
and family relations made him hesitate.
Dr Hindler said: “He had difficulties in the past having access
to his son and was worried that if his partner knew he was going
into hospital it would make further access difficult.”
But, after a spell as an outpatient, Mr Oerton realised he needed
full-time treatment and admitted himself to a clinic in Kent.
Dr Hindler said: “It was remarkably surprising how much his
level of anxiety declined and his mood seemed to improve as a consequence.
“The last time I saw him he seemed much better. He viewed his
mood state as six out of 10.”
Kentish Town PC Caroline Smith described how she and PC Linda Persaud
were called to Mr Oerton’s address on April 20.
They helped paramedics with resuscitation efforts as Mr Oerton was
transported to hospital, but he was pronounced dead 40 minutes later.
Coroner Dr Andrew Reid said: “It’s clear from the note
it was the deceased’s intention. I am satisfied beyond reasonable
doubt that James Richard Oerton took his own life.”
Mr Oerton had co-written a report on the welfare of the last 30
patients to leave Friern Barnet Hospital in north London before
its closure. Some had been living at the rambling Victorian building
for 60 years or more. His findings were presented to the Royal College
of Psychiatrists in Dublin.
Verdict: Suicide. |
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