Lois Hepworth of Watson Woodhouse Solicitors represented the family of Dean Bradley at the inquest into his death, which concluded on 22 May 2025 at Teesside Magistrates’ Court before Senior Coroner Clare Bailey.
In the early hours of the 15th of October 2021, Dean Bradley was found walking along the A66 by Cleveland Police. As Dean was homeless at the time, the officers transported him to a homelessness hostel in Stockton-on-Tees. Shortly after, Dean left the hostel and was seen on a railway bridge at Thornaby Railway Station. A member of the public intervened and called emergency services.
Despite Dean displaying delusional and paranoid thoughts, he was not taken for a mental health assessment. Instead, officers returned him to the same hostel. Later that morning, Dean Bradley was found deceased in a flat.
Outcome of the Inquest
The inquest looked at the events leading up to Dean’s death, including the decisions made by the police and staff at the hostel. It found several missed opportunities to help Dean. He needed urgent support, but instead, he was treated as if he were simply under the influence and left without proper care.
The Coroner found that, “The police failed to contact the mental health services when they assisted him at Thornaby station earlier in the day and failed to adequately relay details of his mental health crisis to staff at the hostel. The staff at the hostel failed to respond to information provided by the police. There were missed opportunities by both Cleveland Police and the hostel to involve mental health professionals and secure appropriate mental health support for Dean.”
As the public services were involved in Dean’s final hours, the Coroner held what’s known as an Article 2 inquest. This is a more detailed investigation required when there may have been a failure to protect someone’s life. The Coroner stated “During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.”
Calls for Change
Senior Coroner Clare Bailey issued a Prevention of Future Death report that aims to address the apparent gap individuals who are seemingly intoxicated but suffering with a mental health crisis fall through.
Cleveland Police have since confirmed that officers will receive further training to help them respond more appropriately in complex and vulnerable situations.
Watson Woodhouse Solicitors remains committed to supporting families through the inquest process and ensuring that lessons are learned when public services fail to protect those in need.
Support Is Available
If the subject matter of this article or story has affected you in any way, then please know that support is available. When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. Suicide and self-harm are preventable, and support is available.
Contact Us
If you require support following the death of a loved one, please contact the Inquest team. Call us for a free and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor on 01642 247656. Alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.