Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Darren Mindham
The report identifies that pentobarbital, a drug commonly used in suicides, is not subject to strict controls despite evidence showing that reduced access to means of suicide can decrease suicide rates.
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Coroner's concerns
The report identifies that pentobarbital, a drug commonly used in suicides, is not subject to strict controls despite evidence showing that reduced access to means of suicide can decrease suicide rates.
View full coroner's concerns
Pentobarbital is a drug that is found in Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, and is therefore not subject to the strict control found in Schedule 2. Whilst there may be practical difficulties in complying with stricter control, the use of pentobarbital in suicide has become commonplace. It has been shown that reducing access to the means of suicide can be effective in reducing the rate of suicide.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 2nd September 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Darren Mindham. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 14th April 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was that he died from acute pentobarbital intoxication having self-administered pentobarbital at home some time on 28th August 2015 while suffering from depression. The conclusion as to the death was one of suicide.
Circumstances of the death
Mr Mindham worked as an assistant in a veterinary practice. The evidence suggested that he removed a bottle of pentobarbital from the drugs cupboard at a former employer and kept it at home before using it to take his life some months later.
Action should be taken
I previously sent a report to the Secretary of State for Health, and enclose a copy of his response.
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Report details
- Reference
- 2016-wp25374
- Coroner
- Selena Lynch
- Coroner area
- London (South)
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Sent to
- Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
Part of a series
2016-0170
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