The mother and stepfather of a transgender teenager who took his own life after going missing are taking Sussex Police to the High Court, alleging the force's inadequate response contributed to his death. Jason Pulman, 15, was found dead in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, in April 2022. An inquest jury concluded the following year that police had "responded inadequately" to his disappearance.
Emily and Mark Pulman argue that Sussex Police breached Jason's human rights by failing to protect him from the risk of suicide. They claim the force took nearly ten hours to send an officer to their home after Jason was reported missing, and that he was only classified as a "medium risk" despite a history of self-harm and suicide attempts. The couple also accuse the force of failing to alert the British Transport Police when it emerged Jason might have taken a train to London.
Legal documents submitted by Bindmans solicitors state that approximately ten hours elapsed between the initial call and an officer arriving at the family home. During that time, Jason's mother made two further calls, highlighting that he was transgender and had previously self-harmed. The coroner later noted that Jason's death might have been prevented had the British Transport Police been notified sooner.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Mrs Pulman said the ordeal had been "devastating" and called on the police to take accountability. "If the police can actually take accountability for what has happened and what went wrong, that is the only way they can start making changes," she said. She added that she drew strength from Jason's memory and his passion for fighting for change.
Sussex Police have extended their "sincere condolences" to Jason's family. The couple's legal team argues that there was a "real prospect of a different outcome" had there been a reasonable response. A judge will consider the case in due course.
