News

Motive behind tragic suicide ‘remains unclear’, says Coroner

Published

10 years ago

February 21, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Unit where Laura Hill had been treated

THE REASON why 21-year-old Laura Hill took her own life ‘remains unclear’, the deputy coroner for Pembrokeshire has ruled.

The body of Laura Hill, 21, from Neyland, was found by members of the public on 17 December, 2012.

At the inquest on Friday (Feb 20), Deputy Coroner Gareth Lewis said: “Miss Hill suspended herself from the branch of a tree in a wooden area near to Withybush Hospital, but the question of intent remains unclear”.

Tragic : Laura Hill

Earlier in 2012, Miss Hill, who was from Neyland, had suffered the loss of her baby son and she had struggled to come to terms with this.

She had been admitted to Withybush Hospital on December 11, after taking an overdose of prescription tablets and she was later transferred to Bro Cerwyn Hospital.

However, on the night of December 16, Laura absconded and she was found hanged the following morning by members of the public.

Among his findings, the deputy coroner highlighted evidence from a psychiatrist, Dr Shubulade Smith, who said that Miss Hill was suffering from Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).

Reading out the facts of the case, Gareth Lewis said: “On December 11, 2012, Miss Hill was admitted to Withybush General Hospital after taking a large overdose of prescription tablets.

“Miss Hill remained as an inpatient at the Hospital until December 15, at which point she was transferred to Bro Cerwyn Hospital.

“On arrival at the hospital it was felt that she would benefit from admission in view of her depression, substance misuse, unresolved bereavement issues and her recent suicide attempt.

“Dr Athithan described her as having a varied suicide risk and placed her on level two 15 observations. She was described as bright, jovial and interacted well with others.

“At 19:15, Miss Hill asked to leave the ward in order to source some heroin. Staff on the ward tried to dissuade Miss Hill from leaving but she was adamant that she wanted to leave and she discharged herself against medical advice.

“In the early of hours of December 16, 2012, police had cause to carry out a welfare check in relation to Miss Hill. Officers were concerned that Miss Hill presented a danger to herself and detained her under section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

“Miss Hill was readmitted to the ward at 02.29hrs on December 16. On arrival she was assessed by Dr Athithan as being emotional, in a distressed state, sobbing and tearful. He suggested that if she tried to leave the ward they should use their holding powers under the Mental Health Act.

“At 14:45 on December 16, Miss Hill walked out of the ward and left the grounds of the hospital. Miss Hill was followed by two members of staff who persuaded her to return to the ward.

“Shortly after taking her medication at 18:15, Miss Hill absconded from the ward again and could not be located. Police were alerted to this and an immediate search was undertaken.

“Miss Hill’s body was found by members of the public at approximately 07:55 on December 17, 2012. She was suspended from a branch of tree with a blue nylon rope around her neck. The cause of death from a post mortem examination was found to be hanging.

“My findings are as follows: The decision to allow Miss Hill to leave the ward on December 15 against medical advice was probably right even if undesirable in the circumstances.

“When Miss Hill was returned to the ward by police there was a significant breakdown in the exchange of information under the section 136 handing over process.

“There was a failure to report Miss Hill’s attempt to abscond at 14:45 on December 16 to Dr Athithan despite his recommendation that if Miss Hill tried to abscond, consideration needed to be given to the use of holding powers. There was a clear lack of appreciation amongst the staff on the ward as to the meaning of the word abscond and because Miss Hill came back to the ward this was not perceived to be an attempt to abscond.

“Miss Hill’s mental state should have been, but was not, reviewed when she returned to the ward after absconding.

“The staff failed to appreciate that level two 15 observations were clearly insufficient to prevent Miss Hill leaving the ward. Miss Hill was only seen to be leaving the ward by fellow patients.

“There needed to be a system to monitor access and egress from the ward. Dr Smith commented during his evidence: ‘You cannot just let people come and go as they please, there needs to be someone in control of the door’, if this was in place it would have been considerably more difficult for Miss Hill to have absconded from the ward.

“Staffing levels at the ward were such that it would have been difficult to put Miss Hill on level 3 even if this had been considered appropriate.

“There was a lack of joined up thinking between the members of the mental health teams working with Miss Hill. Dr Smith felt that the mental health teams never looked behind Miss Hill’s substance misuse. Dr Smith commented in his evidence that ‘undoubtedly, Miss Hill was suffering from Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder’.

“One of the main features of EUPD is a tendency to act impulsively without consideration of the consequences. In her evidence she stated that it was very difficult to say whether she intended to kill herself.

At the end of the inquest Mr Lewis added that he would be exercising his powers under regulation 28 to send the report to prevent future deaths to the Hywel Dda Health Board and Welsh Government’s Improving Patient Safety team. He highlighted that his letter would surround training needs, lack of policy regarding access and egress and staffing ratios.

Community

Spotlight shines on County’s young people at annual awards

Published

17 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The FOURTH Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards celebrating children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference was held recently.

The Awards – a collaboration between Pembrokeshire Youth, The Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Children’s Services – took place on 22nd November at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College and celebrated the achievements of Pembrokeshire’s young people.

A huge well done to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank, who were involved in the whole process, from conception, to planning, to being involved on the night of the awards.

This was truly an event ‘For Young People, By Young People.’

Sponsorship from BAM Nuttall and Pure West Radio enabled the awards to go ahead this year and helped make it a memorable evening.

The event saw some amazing achievements noted and celebrated and the winners and runners up are as follows:

Achieving positive change: The Edge Quiet Hour (winner), Craig Thompson and Samantha Barton (runners up).

Arts Award: Lleucu-Haf Thomas (winner), FADDS Youth Theatre and Tomos Roberts (runners up).

Eco Champion Award: Senedd Gwyrdd at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (winner).

Education Award: Megan Thomas (winner), Carla Briskham (runner up).

Fundraising Award: Ellie Neville (winner), George Bromwich and Molly Venables (runners up).

Making a difference in the community: Eirlys Lloyd-Phillips (winner), Pembroke Family of Schools – Social Action Project, We Know… Our Journey Group, Neyland Youth Club Group (runners up).

Most inspiring story: Aaron Briskham (winner), Aimee Hawkings and Molly Evans (runners up).

Music Award: Carys Wood + Alice Thomas (winners), Amy Evans and Iestyn Barrellie (runners up).

Sport Award: Harley and Liam Franz (winners), Caiden Meacham and Ava Tyrie (runners up).

Voice Award: Tegan Skyrme (winner), Niamh Jones, Mya-Rose John (runners up).

Young Leader / Peer Mentoring Award: Daniella Loveridge / Chloe Harries (winners), Tomos Padel, Brogan Collins and The Point (runners up).

The final award of the night was the special ‘Spotlight Award’, given to a single young person for a particularly important contribution or achievement. For 2024 this award was given to Freya Terry.

Here’s Freya’s inspiring nomination:

Freya has struggled with her mental health since she was 11. She has had some great support from the Amethyst Project and then more recently adult mental health services. She has come out of that stronger and decided to do a voyage solo around the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of mental health in young people – attempting to inspire people to talk about their mental health so that they can get some support, rather than bottle it all up in fear and shame.

She has given talks to local Pembrokeshire youth groups, as well as talking to others as she makes her way around the country which have been really well received. She has gained so much confidence from this venture and has attracted many followers (www.she-sails.co.uk)

Boat problems left her lost at sea for many hours and then a freak wave that tossed her across the boat resulting in her getting concussion and having to call the coastguard. But this didn’t stop her, as soon as she recovered, she got going again and is making great progress.

Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes presented the overall Spotlight Award and said: “Everyone nominated in these Spotlight Awards are a real inspiration to their peers and the wider community. It was an honour to present the overall award for Freya, her story demonstrates a real resilience and commitment to give something back to society while overcoming her own struggles.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Steve Alderman said: “It is fantastic to see our young people being celebrated for the exceptional things they have achieved and the difference they make in their communities.”

Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson added: “Sometimes young people are not given the credit they deserve and it is fantastic that this event is dedicated to celebrating the wonderful things they can achieve.”

The award ceremony was followed by refreshments and entertainment including an inflatable assault course, circus skills, photo booth as well as candyfloss and popcorn in the foyer of the college.

Special thanks also go to those who attended the event to present the young people with the awards as well as to those who took the time to nominate a young person or group.

Sincere thanks also to Dylan Harwood who performed one of his original songs; Charlie Royal, Polly Thomas, Josh Roberts and the rest of the team at Pembrokeshire College for hosting this event; Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore for their assistance in organising this event and to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank for their hard work.

More pictures are available on the Children and Young People’s Rights Office Facebook page.

News

Pembroke lantern parade lights up the town

Published

19 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Lantern Parade lit up the night on the Commons this evening, bringing the community together for a magical celebration of creativity and togetherness. Hosted by the Pembroke Town Team, the event showcased the vibrant spirit of the town, with lanterns crafted by locals under the expert guidance of Sand Palace Arts.

Leading the way was Brig Y Don, setting the tone for a parade filled with glowing woodland creatures and majestic swans, enchanting all who joined. Attendees were invited to the Tanyard Project to begin their illuminated journey around Pembroke, culminating at The Foundry House, where a spectacular fire display awaited.

Hot food, drinks, and festive music added to the warm atmosphere, as residents gathered to chase away the winter blues. The wishing tree, a highlight of the evening, offered a moment of reflection and hope, as attendees hung their Christmas wishes before heading home.

Thanks to funding from the MHPA Community Fund, UK Government, and Pembrokeshire Pride, the much-loved Lantern Parade was brought to life once more. This year’s event built on the success of previous parades, showcasing the continued dedication of the Pembroke Town Team, who also organised the popular Pembroke Festival earlier this year.

The team expressed gratitude to all contributors, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the evening a success, ensuring the tradition continues to light up the hearts of Pembroke residents.

(Pics: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive cheer as St Davids switches on Christmas lights

Published

20 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS was lit with festive spirit as the annual Christmas lights switch-on drew crowds to Cross Square on Monday evening. The event, which began at 5:15pm, marked the official start of the holiday season for the city.

Families enjoyed carol singing and mulled wine as the community gathered in the chilly coastal air. Children were thrilled by a special visit from Santa Claus, who spread joy and posed for photographs with eager youngsters.

Earlier in the day, the holiday buzz began with two Christmas markets. The Oriel Y Parc Outdoor Christmas Market and the Cathedral Christmas Fair opened at 10:00am, offering a selection of local crafts, festive treats, and seasonal goods. Visitors had the opportunity to shop for unique gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Shops extended their opening hours for the occasion, allowing visitors to explore local offerings late into the evening. Local pubs provided a cosy escape from the cold, enhancing the community atmosphere.

A cheer erupted as the Christmas lights illuminated Cross Square, transforming it into a magical scene. The sparkling decorations signalled the start of the festive season and brought residents together in celebration.

With more holiday events planned for December, St Davids is set to remain a festive hub, ensuring a joyous Christmas season for locals and visitors alike.

(Images: St Davids Cathedral)