Coroner of inquests to submit report to chief constable
A warning that this story contains information which some readers may find upsetting.
A verdict of suicide has been recorded at the inquest of a police sergeant who died in 2024.
Stephen Kenneth Hall was found on the railway line in Ballaugh, near the Ravensdale River, on 13 November.
Douglas Courthouse heard he died as the result of a fracture to one of the vertebrae in his neck.
Over the past two days, an inquest has been hearing from his friends, family, representatives from the Isle of Man Constabulary and medical professionals.
The court heard that Mr Hall had 'a troubled relationship with alcohol' which was exacerbated 'at least in part' after the trauma he experienced responding to a fatal sidecar incident during TT 2022.
He had been working with the Drug and Alcohol Team, and had received inpatient treatment at Manannan Court twice in the months before his death.
His misuse of alcohol was known to the Constabulary, who put support in place - including a dedicated Welfare Officer - although it was stated that he would 'never attend work under the influence'.
However, the court heard that other additional support which was previously available to Mr Hall ceased following his arrest for allegedly failing to provide a breath sample.
The case was not tried in court before his death.
The removal of support from colleagues was said to have left Mr Hall feeling 'lost' as he was 'overwhelmed' by the ongoing court proceedings.
A former police constable and friend of Mr Hall's submitted written evidence to the inquest saying he was 'surprised he's the only police officer to have taken their own lives in recent years', saying that despite Mr Hall's 'exceptional service' to the public, the police 'mistreated, neglected and failed him'.
He added that he believed the Constabulary offered no 'substantive compassion' towards Mr Hall.
REPORT
Although not critiquing the actions of any particular police officers, the coroner of inquests did confirm today (20 August) that he will be making a suggestion for improvement to the Isle of Man Constabulary.
James Brooks said he will write a report addressed to the Chief Constable Russ Foster to highlight 'potential for improvement' in the Constabulary's Welfare Officer scheme, to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Expressing his condolences to Mr Hall's family, Mr Brooks said he was clearly 'an individual with a sense of humour', but above all else, he was a 'kind, caring and loving father'.
RESPONSE
In response to the Coroner of Inquest's comments, the Isle of Man Constabulary says: "[The IOMC] reaffirms its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the surviving wife, children and wider family of the late Police Sergeant Stephen Kenneth Hall.
"It is also appropriate to pay tribute to the valiant efforts of several officers who attended the scene, and attempted to save life in the most difficult of circumstances and the impact upon them cannot be under-estimated.
"The IOMC notes the intention of the Coroner to write to the Chief Constable in relation to welfare arrangements for suspended officers and any recommendations he may make will be carefully considered by the IOMC in due course.
"It is important to be clear, however, that the IOMC offers a wide range of welfare provision, which reflects best practice akin to other forces across the United Kingdom.
"These provisions include post-incident debrief procedures aimed at the management of trauma, access to specialist external counselling services, and direct engagement with specialist mental health services whose role is to manage acute cases.
"The IOMC also provides signposting to support services for those struggling with addiction.
"These comprehensive arrangements reflect the unusual demands of a role in the emergency services, and it must be emphasised that these provisions go far beyond the conventional welfare procedures of most employers."
SUPPORT
If you've been impacted by any of the issues in this report, you can find support HERE.
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