Paul Appleby was arrested for a drink driving offence on Friday 21 February 2025.

After being charged and remanded in custody, Appleby was assessed by a forensic medical examiner who advised he should be seen by the trust's Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion team before release.

A request was sent to the community psychiatric nurse at the Criminal Justice Centre on Saturday 22 February but he was not seen as the service was not available. Appleby took his life later that day.

In a prevention of future deaths report, coroner Anne Pember said: ‘I understand that the Liaison and Diversion Team at Northampton has not operated a Saturday Court Service for several years. Previously an ‘on call' service has been provided. I am concerned that this lack of service could give rise to future deaths.'

A NHFT spokesperson said: ‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Mr Appleby at this difficult time. We are firmly committed to learning from incidents and improving our practices, and we are working with our partners to prepare a formal response to the concerns that the coroner has raised in the report.'

 

The trust has until 16 December to respond.