Man found dead in Eastbourne hotel room

A 28-year-old man died at a hotel in Eastbourne last summer.
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Roscoe Deveson was found dead in the Saffrons Hotel in Jevington Gardens on August 1 last year, an inquest heard.

The inquest at Eastbourne Town Hall on Thursday (May 13), heard Mr Deveson was unemployed and the hotel was being used as accommodation for homeless young people.

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Mr Deveson was referred to mental health services and social care from a young age. He was also diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder, the inquest heard.

Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155116008Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155116008
Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155116008

Dr Humaira Rafi, a psychiatrist who dealt with Mr Deveson, said he was always in touch with mental health services and always seemed compliant with his treatment and medication.

Dr Rafi also said ‘he wasn’t coping well due to lockdown’.

Michael Saunders, a mental health nurse, said Mr Deveson had referred himself to Change Grow Life – the local alcohol and substance abuse service – because ‘he wanted to better himself’.

The inquest heard a care worker found Mr Deveson’s body at the hotel.

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East Sussex coroner Alan Craze said, “His drug use has probably played a part in his illness, and his illness has played a part in his decision to take his own life.”

Mr Craze ruled Mr Deveson had taken his own life.

• 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.