Stewart Akins
3 Mar 2016 · Coroner David Reid · Worcestershire
The coroner's concerns
1. high risk of suicide/self-harm
“Throughout Mr. [name redacted]' time in custody, entries were made on the custody record which recorded his repeatedly stated intention to end his own life. Statements to that effect were recorded as having been made, inter alia, to the Custody t, HE to 2 nurse, to a Forensic Medical Examine: and to the officer in charge of the investi at the end of his police interview. The view was taken that he presented a high risk of suicide/self-harm”
2. inadequate risk assessment in MG7 form
“Because was unaware of the contents of these entries in the Custody Record, the description in the MG7 of the risk of suicide/self-harm which Mr. [name redacted] presented was significantly downplayed.”
3. conditional bail granted despite suicide risk
“direct result of that under-reporting of risk of suicide/self-harm, and of Ml HE failure to raise it with the prosecutor, was that the prosecutor was minded to agree to conditional bail as proposed. No objections to bail were raised with the Magistrates, and conditional bail was duly granted.”
4. absence of communication chain for risk information
“1am therefore concerned that no chain of communication appeared to be in place whereby was made aware of the risks highlighted in the Custody Record, so that an MG7 could be properly and fully prepared. (8”