Gambler ‘hooked after one big win’ took his own life

A TEACHER who killed himself while battling a gambling addiction became hooked on betting after he won £1,000 in under 30 seconds, an inquest heard.

Jack Ritchie, a Hull University history graduate, died in Hanoi, Vietnam, after years of gambling problems, a hearing in Sheffield was told yesterday.

His parents, Charles and Liz Ritchie, from Sheffield, believe that failures on the part of UK authorities to address gambling issues contributed to their son’s death and have campaigned for reform through the Gambling With Lives charity they set up.

In a statement read to the inquest, Jack’s friend Nick Clough described how they started going to bookmakers when they were under-age, in sixth form, and at first bet small amounts on fixed-odds betting terminals.

At first, Mr Clough said, his friend would try and double his money “to get a free lunch”. But he said: “With Jack, it became more than that.”

Mr Clough said that his friend won £1,000 in under 30 seconds and, after that, Jack’s attitude towards gambling changed as he began chasing his losses and looking for the big win.

Witnesses whose evidence was read to the inquest described how no one realised the extent of Jack’s problems until after he took his own life while teaching English in Vietnam on Nov 22 2017.

Forensic evidence presented to the inquest showed that Ritchie was a regular visitor to the Betvictor online gambling website in the days leading up to his death.

Mr and Mrs Ritchie believe the inquest, which is due to last two weeks, is the first socalled Article 2 inquest in a case relating to suicide following gambling.

This means its scope will include an examination of whether any arm of the state breached its duty to protect Jack’s right to life.

Sheffield coroner David Urpeth said the evidence will cover topics including what information was available to Jack and his family about the risks of gambling and also what medical treatment was available to him.

Senior officials from the Department of Health and the Gambling Commission are expected to give evidence in the inquest.