POLICE ‘SORRY AFTER WOMAN TOOK OWN LIFE’
Force will now investigate assault allegation
STAFFORDSHIRE Police have apologised and admitted they made mistakes in the case of a woman who took her own life following a dispute with neighbours.
Amanda Dunn made calls to police about problems she was having on her street before she died.
Following her death, a coroner criticised police and accused them of brushing her concerns ‘under the carpet’.
Now, senior orricers have accepted they ‘could have performed better’.
Coroner Andrew Haigh said a major reason for Amanda taking her own life was an ‘ongoing problem with her neighbours’.
Mrs Dunn, 56, called police twice to report problems in the two years before her death in March. Officers attended the address on Woodtherne Close, Penkridge, and spoke with her on at least one occasion.
It has also emerged an allegation of assault was made which was not investigated at the time, but is now being examined by officers.
Mrs Dunn lived with her husband on the estate near the A449 for more than 30 years. She was said to have had a history of mental illness.
Mr Haigh criticised the Staffordshire force and warned there could be more deaths if vulnerable people in a similar situation are made to feel they have nowhere to turn.
And Staffordshire Police conceded one of its key errors was not referring Amanda’s case to mental health services for support.
Neighbours described Mrs Dunn as ‘lovely’ and someone who had a ‘heart of gold’.
Mr Haigh said in a report to officers: “Police were contacted several times but took no action. The evidence I heard clearly seemed to amount to harassment.
“I realise I have only heard one side of the story but there is a real concern police are seeking to brush such incidents under the carpet and not taking them sufficiently seriously. I do not want another death reported to me of a similar nature.”
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Justin Bibby said: “Although this review has not identified any misconduct by officers or staff, it has highlighted a number of lessons whereby Staffordshire Police could have performed better.
“This includes the important role of the police to make and record referrals to partner agencies, including mental health services.
“In addition, Staffordshire Police did not respond effectively to an allegation of a criminal offence which was alleged to have taken place before Mrs Dunn’s death.
“I would like to apologise to Mrs Dunn’s family for Staffordshire Police’s response and I would like to reassure them and the wider community that we will do all we can to prevent it happening again.”