Eastbourne man found dead in Langney block of flats

Timothy Stone, 47, died while waiting to be helped by mental health staff at the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. He had been referred for help by a junior doctor within 28 days but by the time he was contacted, Mr Stone had taken his own life in a communal staircase at the block of flats were he lived.

At the inquest at Eastbourne Town Hall this week, the author of a serious incident enquiry carried out after Mr Stone’s death in September 2019 admitted mistakes had been made and lessons were learned.

Mr Stone’s case comes weeks after failings by the trust, which provides mental health services, was blamed for the death of Eastbourne builder Leigh Quicke, who also took his own life when an urgent referral for the suicidal 36-year-old to be seen was downgraded to routine.

Yesterday’s inquest heard Mr Stone’s body was found by postman Wayne Harmer who was delivering post in Donegal Court in Pembury Road. The warehouseman, who had a long history of drugs abuse and mental health issues, had hanged himself.

Days before, Mr Stone had been taken to the DGH by ambulance and referred to mental health teams as a routine case.

But Simon Hellyer, who is from the trust and carried out the inquiry, said there had been problems and mistakes with the care and delivery of services, active engagement between the trust with Mr Stone and STAR drug and alcohol service where he had been receiving help, and demand and capability issues.

He said lessons had been learned.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, the Samaritans may be able to help – the charity’s helpline number is 116 123.