Inquest in Exeter student’s death found he was suffering from psychosis when he died

At around 3.20am that morning, officers from British Transport Police were dispatched near Derby Road railway station, following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

Suffolk Coroners Court heard that Jack died at the scene, despite emergency services being called.

A full inquest into his death took place on Tuesday, 3rd December, at Suffolk Coroners’ Court.

According to the Ipswich Star, a family background statement composed by his parents, Paul and Sarah Aggett, was read in court. It stated that their son was a “high achiever academically” who had received scholarships to both of his schools. They described him as a kind, loving, and gentle person with a flair for English, drama, and sports.

Jack had been struggling with his mental health since summer 2022, towards the end of his first year at university. He was involuntarily admitted to a mental health ward at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after psychosis episodes and having been found near train tracks in Exeter. His parents described the experience as traumatising after he was admitted to a ward with other mental health patients at just 19.

Jack intended to continue his studies after being discharged, but in February 2023 he moved back to Ipswich to live with his family.

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On 12th August, Jack was once again involuntarily admitted to the Woodlands unit in Ipswich, where he stayed for seven weeks before being discharged on the 29th September with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and ADHD.

In the following months, Jack took late-night walks, and on 5th January, he was arrested for trespassing on railway tracks.

Richard Breedt, a senior mental health nurse with the Early Intervention in Psychosis team (EIP), was Jack’s care coordinator at Woodlands even after his discharge. In court, Mr Breedt testified that when he asked Jack if he had suicidal thoughts during the incident, Jack denied it, explaining he wanted to film himself walking away from the tracks. Mr Breedt said he found him “very convincing.”

Senior coroner for Suffolk, Nigel Parsley, questioned the credibility of Jack’s explanation, given the incident occurred at 10pm.

Jack’s parents were concerned about his late-night walking and excessive drinking, estimating he drank up to two bottles of wine a day, sometimes four in 36 hours.

Mr Breedt stated the charity Turning Point was the best organisation to help Jack with his alcohol use, but it required his consent. Jack’s family questioned if a depot injection could have ensured compliance in taking his medication. Mr Breedt and Mr Parsley explained that such an injection could only be given without consent if the patient was detained under the Mental Health Act or had a Community Treatment Order. It is typically used when absolutely necessary due to its restrictions on a person’s freedom of choice.

The coroner found that Jack died as a result of placing himself in front of a train as a result of a relapse of his mental illness.

Mr Parsley stated: “There was absolutely nothing more you could have done for Jack.”

Mr and Mrs Aggett thanked the services that had done their best to support their son, including the University of Exeter, the East of England Ambulance Service, British Transport Police, and particularly Suffolk police, as officers had never failed to treat their son with kindness and gentleness.

If you’ve been affected by this story and wish to speak to someone, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123.

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