A psychiatrist told the inquest she was “shocked” to hear of the death of a 46-year-old woman
A warning: This story contains information that some readers may find disturbing.
An inmate who took his own life in an Isle of Man prison suffered from “serious” mental health problems but was “hopeful for the future” at the time of his death.
That’s what the grand jury investigating the death of Christopher Peter Corkill has been told.
The 46-year-old man was found dead in his cell on the morning of February 24, 2023.
Speaking at Douglas Court today (July 17), retired Drug and Alcohol Team psychiatrist Dr Kirsten Wafer said she was “shocked” to hear of his death.
Drug and Alcohol Team
The jury was told the former Ballasalla resident had been working with the service for more than 20 years, both in and out of prison, because of his drug addiction.
Dr Wafer explained that there had been an escalation in his mental health problems which included a diagnosis of schizophrenia, paranoia and hallucinations.
This was particularly evident, he said, after taking class A drugs, adding: “There was a correlation.
“When he stopped taking cocaine and went back on his (prescribed) medication, things calmed down very quickly,” she told the court.
Describing him as a “lovely lad” but “stubborn”, she said Mr Corkill “liked to take drugs” and did not always do what she would have liked, adding: “It was really hard to control him at times.”
Custody
In June 2022, a month before Mr Corkill was last sent into custody, he reported hearing voices in his head and self-harming.
“He was very psychotic before he went to prison,” Dr Wafer told the court, adding that once inside, his symptoms “calmed down”.
Dr Wafer last saw Mr Corkill in December 2022 and described him as being well, physically and mentally, at that time.
“He didn’t want to see me because he said ‘I’m fine,'” she added.
She told the court they had discussed the possibility of referring Mr Corkill to the mental health service, but explained: “He didn’t seem very enthusiastic. I was hoping I could persuade him.
“He never lost his capacity. It was up to him alone to make decisions about his treatment.”
She told the court it was clear Mr Corkill had experienced “many difficulties in his short life” but had refused any additional help offered to him, including cognitive behavioural therapy.
Asked whether Mr Corkill had suffered a “serious” mental health problem, Dr Wafer replied: “Yes, absolutely.”
The jury also heard that he saw a key worker, from the Drugs and Alcohol Team, in February 2023 and that he had been optimistic.
“He was actually reflecting on what a mess his life had been. He was hopeful for the future,” Dr. Wafer added.
“When I heard that he had died, I thought it was because of his physical condition. I was very shocked that he had taken his own life.”
The investigation continues.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, there are details of local organisations providing advice and support. HERE.
