Ollie Roberts was "literally begging for help" in his final weeks, making three hospital visits including after a suicide attempt, yet he was "failed at every turn," his family says. The 29-year-old sent his wife Leah a disturbing photo suggesting he would end his life, prompting his mother to call police. Although a 999 call handler graded Ollie as "high risk," Dorset Police did not, preventing the use of his mobile phone data to trace him.
Inquest Findings
A jury at Bournemouth Coroners' Court returned a narrative verdict, citing missed opportunities and a failure to assess risk that contributed to Ollie's death. The jury also found "insufficient and delayed responses" by Dorset Police. Examination of Ollie's phone later showed he had been alive for nearly six hours after contacting Leah.
Family's Grief
Ollie's mother, Penny Dale, said after the inquest: "He could have been saved if they had traced him immediately through his phone. He was literally begging for help. In his last weeks he went to hospital three times – the last time after he had failed in an attempt to hang himself. Each time he was sent away. It was heartbreaking to hear that; if only someone had helped him he would still be alive."
Ollie, a carer, had been arrested after his estranged wife claimed he became "aggressive" and refused to hand over their baby son. Though cleared of charges, the inquest heard a police chief branded him "suicidal for sympathy" when he made threats. Penny said: "When I heard that phrase it made me feel physically sick. What a terrible thing to say about anyone. Ollie was crying out for help, not making idle threats."
Timeline of Events
- On January 25, 2024, Ollie went to Bournemouth hospital after a suicide attempt. No beds were available, but a mental health nurse tried to find him accommodation. When he left, the nurse called police, saying he should be sectioned.
- Two days later, Ollie sent the alarming photo to Leah, escalating family concern.
- Despite the 999 call, police did not classify him as high risk, delaying the phone trace.
Penny, who wears a heart pendant containing part of Ollie's ashes, described him as "a big bear of a man who still loved cuddles from his mum."
Legal Actions
Coroner Rachael Griffin issued a prevention of future deaths notice to Dorset Police and Derbyshire Police, where Ollie previously lived. The photograph was referenced in the document. Penny made 11 complaints about police handling; eight were upheld. She said: "I hope lessons have been learnt. One reason I am speaking out is because I don't want anyone else in Ollie's situation to be treated the way he was. To the end of my days I won't believe he meant to do it – he was just let down so badly."
The Samaritans is available 24/7 at 116 123, jo@samaritans.org, or your nearest branch.
