Coroner Cites Toxic Relationship in Katie Madden's Suicide Verdict
A coroner has concluded that Katie Madden's 'toxic relationship' with her former partner significantly contributed to her decision to take her own life in June 2023. Nigel Parsley, the coroner, ruled that Madden died by suicide while her mind was disturbed, but explicitly highlighted her relationship with Jonathon Russell as a key factor.
'Kate's toxic relationship, in conjunction with Kate's known mental health conditions, affected her state of mind and therefore contributed to her death,' Parsley stated during the inquest. The couple shared two children together.
Police Drop Domestic Violence Case After Death
In a controversial move, Suffolk Police closed an assault investigation against Russell just days after Madden was found hanged at her home in Lowestoft. This occurred despite evidence presented at the inquest that Russell had repeatedly encouraged Madden to kill herself.
Bernadette Sutton, Madden's mother, expressed profound dismay at this decision. 'The idea that it would just be dropped because she died – it should never be the case,' Sutton told the inquest. She described receiving a letter addressed to her deceased daughter informing her the case was closed.
Evidence of Coercive Control and Abuse
The inquest heard disturbing details about Russell's behaviour. Mason Jones, a friend of Madden's, testified about a phone call hours before her death, describing Russell as 'vile' and 'abusive.' Jones recalled Russell stating he was 'in control of the town and would end her life if she didn't do it herself.'
Russell admitted under questioning that he had told Madden to 'go kill yourself' during that final conversation, though he claimed he later retracted the statement. He also acknowledged giving Madden a black eye weeks prior to her death, for which he had been arrested and bailed with conditions not to contact her.
PC Bradley Congleton, who attended the scene, confirmed finding messages on Madden's phone from Russell encouraging suicide. 'There is no doubt in my mind, that is what he said to her,' Congleton testified.
Systemic Failures and Missed Safeguarding Opportunities
The tragedy has exposed significant gaps in multi-agency safeguarding. Madden had received a Clare's Law disclosure warning her of Russell's violent past, which included a conviction for assaulting a woman. However, a subsequent safeguarding referral was closed without action, deemed a 'misdirected referral.'
Coroner Parsley issued a prevention of future deaths report, criticising the lack of a formal support system for Madden despite her known vulnerability. He noted that referrals concerning her children were viewed in isolation, with no assessment of risks to Madden herself.
Madden, who had diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, was recommended specialist cognitive behavioural therapy but never received funding for it. 'Each agency suggested another should pay,' Parsley noted.
A Mother's Quest for Justice
Bernadette Sutton has become a vocal critic of the handling of her daughter's case. She retrieved Madden's phone and discovered the extent of Russell's abusive messages. 'He told her to kill herself,' she told the court. 'This is something he had said on many occasions.'
Sutton urged police to investigate for coercive control but claims officers said they could only examine one month's worth of data. 'How many more women have got to die?' she asked. 'Whether they take their own lives, or whether someone takes their life for them, how many more women, before something is done?'
Broader Legal Context and Campaigns
Madden's case highlights a growing concern in UK justice regarding suicides linked to domestic abuse. Campaigners argue these deaths should be investigated as potential crimes. Analysis suggests increasing numbers of domestic violence victims are taking their own lives.
In a rare precedent, a coroner recently ruled the suicide of Georgia Barter, after a decade of abuse by her former partner, was an unlawful killing. However, no police investigation followed due to insufficient evidence for criminal charges, illustrating the high legal thresholds involved.
Nearly two years after Madden's death, her family states Russell has faced no investigation related to the inquest findings or alleged abuse. A domestic homicide review is ongoing, but these reviews focus on systemic lessons rather than criminal liability.
Suffolk Police declined to answer specific questions citing the pending review. The local authority stated lessons were learned and processes strengthened, including deploying dedicated domestic abuse workers.
Katie Madden's story underscores urgent calls for reform in how the justice system addresses the complex intersection of domestic abuse, mental health, and suicide.
