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Family complain to police watchdog after Rugeley hanging

The family of a man who hanged himself after being visited by police and social services have complained to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

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Simon Richmond was found hanged on land off Flaxley Road near to his home in Rugeley.

An inquest on the 48-year-old heard he had been visited by police officers at 1am on the day he died.

He was last seen by his parents at 1.30am walking from his car and going into his house. A dog walker found Mr Richmond six hours later hanging from a tree in woodland. Dc Richard Williams told Cannock Coroner's Court a rope similar to the one used for the ligature had been found in Mr Richmond's car boot.

He added: "Simon had been made aware that there had been an allegation made about him. As a result of this our hypothesis is that he committed suicide."

"No suicide note or message has been found." Mr Richmond's stepfather James Clarke asked the court about the allegations and whether they were being investigated.

He said: "Simon's mother and I were the last ones to see him. He said goodbye to us and we said goodbye to him and he walked back into the house.

"Something happened that night for Simon to decide that was it and we would like to find out why and how and what."

South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh concluded Mr Richmond's death was due to hanging.

"He walked to a wooded area and he hanged himself from a tree. I am satisfied that Simon has intended to kill himself and that is what he has done."

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Clarke, 74, of Durham Drive, said: "Simon wasn't even told what the offence was. We have made a complaint to the police and social services and the IPCC." The IPCC said the referral had been returned to Staffordshire Police for investigation.

Staffordshire Police spokesman Sarah Davison said: "Given the earlier police contact with Mr Richmond prior to his death, Staffordshire Police automatically referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

"Officers are working closely with the county council who have also received a complaint."

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