Inquest into 43-year-old who struggled with mental health issues concludes death by suicide

JON MACPHERSON

A4 3 - Y E A R- O L D man who was receiving support from mental health services killed himself by inhaling gas, an inquest heard.

Shaune Frank Riding was found dead at his home on Victoria Street,

Clayton-le-Moors, on October 17 last year after police officers were called to the premises by his boss.

Preston Coroners Court heard how Mr Riding’s parents Frank and Pauline were on holiday in Bath when they received the tragic news.

In a statement, Frank Riding said: “Shaune had been struggling with his mental health for around two or three years.

“I’m aware that he had been sectioned at Royal Blackburn Hospital in January 2019 after saying he was going to take his own life.

“Shaune did not really speak to me about his problems with mental health and would keep things very private.”

The inquest heard how Mr Riding, who worked as a courier, had been referred to mental health services and started on anti-depressants.

A statement from his GP said: “Mr Riding received support from mental health services and his situation had improved such that he was fit for discharge with advice that he could contact mental health services should the situation alter.”

Assistant Coroner Simon Jones said a postmortem examination found ‘slightly elevated’ levels of a prescribed antidepressant in his system ‘but certainly well below the fatal range’.

The pathologist said the cause of death was asphyxia by gas inhalation.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Mr Jones said: “Although there’s no evidence of any note being left by Mr Riding it is evident from the acts that he has done that these are actions taken by someone who is determined to end his own life.

“My coroner’s officer has had an email from the family confirming that they do not wish to attend the inquest.

“They are content for the matter to proceed on the basis of the documents provided and have thanked my coroner’s officer for the professional way in which she has handled what they describe as a ‘tragic chapter in their lives’.”

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