News

Coroner raises concerns after much loved dad dies three weeks after being discharged from crisis health team

Published

3 years ago

July 13, 2022

A CORONER has raised concerns after a local 21-year-old dad was found dead by his father only three weeks after being discharged from the crisis mental health team.

In the early hours of March 27, 2019, Kieran Crimmins’ body was discovered close to his family’s house in Milford Haven.

Mr. Crimmins had been discharged from the Hywel Dda Crisis team three weeks prior, on March 5, despite displaying “maladaptive coping mechanisms” and repeatedly threatening to take his own life.

Paul Bennett, a senior coroner for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, questioned whether it was wise to complete a multi-agency referral form (MARF) over the phone, whether there were “inconsistencies” in the manual diary system the Hywel Dda mental health team used to keep records, and whether there were “no effective means” of monitoring Kieran’s mental health after his release.

Following a four-day inquest into the events leading to Kieran’s death, Mr. Bennett will now decide whether to make a Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths Report (PFD), which would force Hywel Dda health board to rectify any potential weaknesses

Since he was a young child, Kieran had been under the supervision of the Hywel Dda Health Board’s mental health services and had frequently sought help at Withybush hospital.

Speaking after the inquest had concluded, his family said: “He was funny, entertaining, and an empathetic young man. He would brighten any room and would help anyone who asked, wanting nothing in return.”

However, beneath Kieran’s cheerful exterior was “a deeply troubled soul.” The inquiry learned that during his brief life, he experienced serious trauma, including the deaths of numerous dear friends and family members.

According to psychological testimony given at the inquest, his inadequate coping skills and pre-existing special educational needs made it difficult for him to handle the severe swings in his mental health.

His family were his “protective” measures when things got tough.

Acting for Kieran’s family, Ben Blakemore said: “Kieran and his family did not feel listened to or recognised when begging for the intervention that it is clear, and hindsight shows, he desperately needed.”

He was engaged with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Service, and an inquiry into a drug-related driving offence was pending at the time of his death (DDAS).

Several witnesses, including those responsible for Kieran’s care and treatment for the Hywel Dda health board, testified in front of Mr. Bennett.

A crisis team practitioner with the Hywel Dda University Health Board pushed hard for Kieran to be admitted to the hospital on February 27, 2019, one month before he passed away, after he tried to end his life by overdosing on drugs.

Dr David Sheppard interviewed Kieran at the time, who kept referring to suicidal thoughts and made several references to taking his own life.

Dr. Sheppard requested that a hospital bed be found for him that night in a conversation with Hywel Dda duty manager Donna Phillips, but Mrs. Phillips informed him that there were no beds available.

Following that, Mr. Crimmins was offered the choice of staying at Withybush A&E or going back home with his parents. He made the decision to go home.

He returned to hospital the following day and was assured the Crisis team would visit him on a daily basis for the next two weeks. On March 1, a team member paid him a visit, and on March 2, he got a call from them, which is when the MARF referral happened.

Kieran saw no one on March 3 or March 4. Despite going missing twice during that time and being located by police on one of those times, it was decided on March 5 that he should be released from their service.

Despite communication with DDAS and Hywel Dda’s integrated psychological therapies programme, Mr. Blakemore claimed that Kieran was “essentially left to his own devices.” Mr Bennett added: “I have some concerns around the decision making process.”

Three weeks later, on March 26, Kieran sent his former girlfriend and a friend of his each a message that raised concerns. When his parents learned that their son had left the house, they called the police and started looking for him.

Just after midnight, his father discovered his body. Despite paramedics’ best efforts to revive him with CPR and a defibrillator they had brought to the scene, Kieran was pronounced dead upon being taken to Withybush.

His sister, Katie Crimmins, who was only 18 when she learned that her older brother Kieran had passed away, claimed that hospital workers failed to provide any assistance to the family, leaving them to cope with the unbearable loss on their own.

Kieran, who had only recently become a father and was an avid fisherman and DJ, had long battled mental health problems including depression and PTSD.

His family claimed he struggled to receive the professional help he required. The transition of his care from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services allegedly ran into more issues.

As a result of the cell phone interaction, Mr. Bennett came to the conclusion that Kieran died by suicide as there was “sufficient evidence of Kieran’s intent to end his life and of him taking the steps to do so”. He added that he died of asphyxiation due to self-suspension.

He added: “A decision was taken not to refer to the Community Mental Health Team for ongoing monitoring of his mental health and care co-ordination following his discharge from the Crisis and Home Treatment Team on March 5 due to the fact that he was receiving support from the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service and the Independent Psychological Therapy Service.”

After the inquest was over, Mr. Blakemore, who represented his family, released a statement saying: “Mental Health Service provision in Pembrokeshire and the wider Hywel Dda Health Board is long overdue a review so as to ensure that individuals do not believe that suicide is the only option they have. Kieran’s family has pursued change through this inquest forum, and hope it will follow.

“Kieran’s death must not be allowed to be just another statistic. Change is needed to avoid more people with vulnerabilities and thoughts such as those Kieran suffered from losing their life, and more families going through this hollow hell.”

Mr Blakemore urged Mr Bennett to consider making a Regulation 28 PFD report. Luke Garrett, representing Hywel Dda health board, made a submission that the matters raised by the coroner “will be considered” and that the use of the diary system would be “reviewed and strengthened” and the health board would “endeavour to provide information on MARFs on a face-to-face basis”.

Mr Bennett agreed to “give the matter due consideration” and will issue his decision within the next few days.

He closed proceedings by expressing his condolences to Kieran’s family and commending them for the “way they conducted themselves” throughout.

He added: “I’m sure there’s not much I can really add to the expressions of sympathy already shown.”

Kieran’s family also thanked the support they’d received from 2Wish and Get the Boys a Lift, and stated that without it, they would have been left “without any support at all at what has been the most horrific time of their lives”.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

18 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

18 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

18 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.