Police accused of destroying phone belonging to London student who died by suicide

The mum of a student who died by suicide claims that the Met Police has “destroyed her son’s phone”, potentially erasing vital evidence for his inquest.

Student Michael William Goodchild, 22, died in February 2023. However, he has not yet had an inquest. This is supposedly due to postponements due to  the coroner being “double booked”.

Following Michael’s death, the police took two phones belonging to him to send to the Coroner’s Court. However, his mum Mary O’Sullivan says that only one returned. She claims his other phone, containing sentimental photos and videos, was destroyed by police during a “system update”.

Since, the Met Police has said it apologised for the service Michael’s family received from its officers. However, Mary alleges she is yet to actually receive an apology.

“That phone had everything. Now it’s like they’ve erased him. I’ve never been given anything in writing — no proper explanation, no apology, nothing. The phone was his memories, all his photos, everything. That’s something I’m never going to get back,” Mary said.

via SWNS

She further added that the contents of the destroyed phone were never passed on to South London’s Coroner’s Court, and fears that this may impact the investigation itself.

Upon receiving the singular phone back, she says that she felt the police’s process lacked privacy and sensitivity. She noted that it felt rushed and insensitive, leading her to feel overwhelmed.

“They met me at a clinic where I had an appointment. They spoke to me there in front of other people, before a member of staff directed me into a room,” Mary explained. “I was getting really stressed. I could see people looking at me. It wasn’t handled with care — it felt rushed and insensitive.”

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Mary then says that an officer offered to fill out a compensation form on her behalf, but that she refused this, adding: “I told them — I don’t want compensation. I want accountability. That’s what I put in writing.”

via SWNS

Remembering him, Mary said that Michael “was always smiling” and had “such a presence. A lot of people knew him”. Struggling to come to terms with the delays, and the lack of closure, Mary explained that the family is having difficulties with their mental health.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Our thoughts remain with Michael’s family and friends.

“We understand they are rightly upset and frustrated about the service they received from us at an incredibly distressing time and have apologised directly to them.

“We will fully support the inquest to understand more and learn any lessons.”

Featured images via SWNS