16 October 2024
Before HM Area Coroner Jayne Wilkes
Lincolnshire Coroners Court
The Myle Cross Centre, 92 Macaulay Drive, Lincoln, LN2 4EL
Opens 21 October 2024
Expected to last 5 days
An inquest will open into the death of Christoper Nmaeka Arima–Egwuatu (Chris), a 24 year old Black man, who died on 12 May 2023 whilst a mental health inpatient at the Fens, Discovery House in Lincoln. He died having absconded whilst on escorted leave.
Chris was a spirited, fun-loving, kind and caring individual. When he was in school Chris was popular, outgoing and confident. He was a much-loved son and brother.
He had a diagnosis of autism and Schizophrenia. He had been detained on numerous occasions throughout his life under the Mental Health Act.
In November 2022, Chris’ mental health began to deteriorate once more. Following a serious attempt to take his own life in January 2023, he was recalled back into hospital under section 37 of the MHA. In early March 2023, he was transferred to the Fens, Discovery House.
On 27 April 2023, Chris absconded whilst out on hospital grounds on unescorted leave. He returned to the ward himself that evening having spent a large amount of money on drugs, some of which he had taken whilst in the community
Chris’ use of drugs was a known risk factor by his treating team. In response to his absconding, his observation care plan was reviewed, and his observations were increased and he was no longer allowed to leave the hospital.
Over the next few weeks, both Chris and his mother shared information with his treating team that Chris was experiencing strong cravings for drugs and that these were strongest when Chris had been paid.
On 11 May, Chris attended football as part of an organised group activity where he absconded. He was reported to the police as a missing person and was found deceased on 12 May 2023.
The inquest will now explore the following issues.
- The management of risk including the decision to allow Chris escorted leave following the events of 27 April 2023 and information received in the weeks leading up to 11 May;
- The events of 11 May 2023 leading up to Chris absconding;
- The processes relating to the missing persons search including information sharing between the ward and the police and actions taken by the police.
ENDS
NOTES
For further information, interview requests and to note your interest, please contact Leila Hagmann on [email protected].
The family are represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group member Gemma Vine of Ison Harrison Solicitors, Leeds and Counsel Michael Wall, Park Square Chambers.
The family are supported by INQUEST caseworker Jordan Ferdinand-Sargeant.
Other Interested persons represented are Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust.
Journalists should refer to the Samaritans Media Guidelines for reporting suicide and self-harm and guidance for reporting on inquests.
Christopher Arima-egwuatu: Inquest To Open Into Death Of Autistic Black Man Detained At Lincoln Mental Health Hospital
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Before HM Area Coroner Jayne Wilkes
Lincolnshire Coroners Court
The Myle Cross Centre, 92 Macaulay Drive, Lincoln, LN2 4EL
Opens 21 October 2024
Expected to last 5 days
An inquest will open into the death of Christoper Nmaeka Arima–Egwuatu (Chris), a 24 year old Black man, who died on 12 May 2023 whilst a mental health inpatient at the Fens, Discovery House in Lincoln. He died having absconded whilst on escorted leave.
Chris was a spirited, fun-loving, kind and caring individual. When he was in school Chris was popular, outgoing and confident. He was a much-loved son and brother.
He had a diagnosis of autism and Schizophrenia. He had been detained on numerous occasions throughout his life under the Mental Health Act.
In November 2022, Chris’ mental health began to deteriorate once more. Following a serious attempt to take his own life in January 2023, he was recalled back into hospital under section 37 of the MHA. In early March 2023, he was transferred to the Fens, Discovery House.
On 27 April 2023, Chris absconded whilst out on hospital grounds on unescorted leave. He returned to the ward himself that evening having spent a large amount of money on drugs, some of which he had taken whilst in the community
Chris’ use of drugs was a known risk factor by his treating team. In response to his absconding, his observation care plan was reviewed, and his observations were increased and he was no longer allowed to leave the hospital.
Over the next few weeks, both Chris and his mother shared information with his treating team that Chris was experiencing strong cravings for drugs and that these were strongest when Chris had been paid.
On 11 May, Chris attended football as part of an organised group activity where he absconded. He was reported to the police as a missing person and was found deceased on 12 May 2023.
The inquest will now explore the following issues.
ENDS
NOTES
For further information, interview requests and to note your interest, please contact Leila Hagmann on [email protected].
The family are represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group member Gemma Vine of Ison Harrison Solicitors, Leeds and Counsel Michael Wall, Park Square Chambers.
The family are supported by INQUEST caseworker Jordan Ferdinand-Sargeant.
Other Interested persons represented are Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust.
Journalists should refer to the Samaritans Media Guidelines for reporting suicide and self-harm and guidance for reporting on inquests.
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