Suicide verdict recorded for Whyke Road crossing victim

A 25-year-old man from Chichester committed suicide by stepping in front of a train last September.

Daniel Hammond, of St James’ Square, had been drinking during the day, and had made previous attempts to take his own life.

At his inquest at Chichester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (February 6), the coroner was told he had been on the phone to his sister at the moment of his death.

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The incident, just after 9.30pm at the Whyke Road crossing on September 10, was witnessed by Lisa Maynard, who called emergency

services and tried to persuade him off the tracks.

His mother, Michelle, also told the inquest her son had previously taken cannabis, which often made him paranoid and ‘hear voices’.

Coroner Martin Milward said: “We’re dealing here with a very, very troubled young man.

“He had clear drug, alcohol and mental health issues.

“This was a very deliberate attempt by him to end his life,” he added before recording a verdict of suicide.