Tragic TJ was let down by mental health services

A FATHER who killed himself by jumping from the roof of a multi-storey car park was “let down” by mental health services, an inquest has ruled.

An inquest into the death of Terence Joseph Pimm concluded the 30-year-old, known as TJ to friends and family, was not properly assessed and adequate precautions were not taken to manage his risk of suicide.

TJ, from Dovercourt, jumped from the roof of the NCP car park in Osbourne Street, Colchester, on August 26 last year.

He had failed to appear for a bail hearing at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on August 23 and was listed as wanted on the Police National Computer with warning markers on his log for mental health, depression and stress and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On August 25, TJ’s father telephoned Essex Police to tell them his son’s whereabouts were unknown and that he was suicidal.

That evening TJ told his probation officer he had twice contemplated killing himself that day, even visiting the roof of the same car park from which he would later jump.

TJ’s officer took him to the accident and emergency department at Colchester General Hospital, but he was not fully assessed by a mental health nurse because he was deemed to be under the influence of alcohol and because of the active arrest warrant.

Attempts were made by TJ’s mother to contact Essex Police after leaving hospital, but TJ returned home without receiving any treatment.

He took his own life the next day.

Just weeks prior to his death, TJ was detained under the Mental Health Act after he threatened to kill himself at Romford train station.

He was taken to Goodmayes Hospital, in Ilford, on August 8, before being transferred to the Lakes mental health unit in Colchester.

TJ was assessed the next day by an approved mental health person and a psychiatrist who did not identify any mental health issues.

He was discharged after 12 hours.

Karon and Terence Pimm, TJ’s parents, said: “We would like to thank the jury for their thoughtfulness and consideration in listening to all the evidence and reaching their conclusion.

“We would also like to thank the coroner for the fair and balanced inquest.

“We wish to express our appreciation to NHS and police witnesses for their honesty and openness.