‘I JUST HELD BAZZA IN MY ARMS’
Campaigner tried to save his friend
A GRIEF-STRICKEN mental health campaigner has told how he desperately tried to save his friend who live-streamed his own suicide on social media.
Craig Spillane smashed his way into Jonathan ‘Bazza’ Bailey’s flat not long after a post appeared on Facebook saying he was going to kill himself.
But despite CPR attempts, the 50-year-old personal trainer was confirmed dead at his home in Larkspur Grove, Newcastle, on Saturday.
Now Mr Spillane – who struggled with suicidal thoughts himself – has revealed he called 999 five times in a week in an urgent attempt to get his friend the help he needed.
The 41-year-old electrician who runs the Men Unite group – has shared details of what happened to raise awareness because he claims mental health services let Mr Bailey down.
He said: “I was at home when my girlfriend’s daughter shouted to say that Baz was on Facebook threatening to kill himself. I called 999 and got in my car straight away. When I arrived I saw the police van had parked up. I shouted to the officers to ask if they were looking for Baz’s flat as they were in the wrong place.
“I then sprinted up the stairs. I tried his door but the chain was still on. I smashed my way in and that’s when I saw him. I was screaming for help. We started CPR and at one point we had a faint pulse but it was too late. I just held him in my arms.”
Mr Spillane said it was the third time Mr Bailey had made an attempt on his own life in a few days after attempts the previous Monday and Wednesday.
He added: “On the Friday our friend Stefan Hanks rang to say he had Baz in the car. I rang 999 saying he needed to be sectioned. They just fobbed me off.
“I told Stefan to take him to Harplands car park. He was then taken to A&E but he left. It was actually the security guard who rang Stefan. Stefan and another friend then found Baz wandering around the car park.
“We thought he’d be okay. They got him home and left him to sleep. The next day I tried to call Baz but I didn’t get any response and a short time later the live stream started. It’s such a tragic loss of a brilliant man.”
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust – which runs Harplands – is investigating.
A spokesman said: “We are sure people will understand that we cannot comment on individual cases or specific events until a full investigation has taken place and the full facts established.
“We can confirm that all the necessary processes are now under way and our thoughts and condolences are with the family.
“We are working with our local health and care partners and the voluntary sector to continually improve our service offer, including ensuring that people are fully aware of, and can easily access, the range of services available across the county.
“We all have an ethical and moral responsibility to do everything we can to approach this difficult issue responsibly and without causing unnecessary further distress or potential harm to our local communities and vulnerable people.”
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