The 55-year-old former chief of police in Leicestershire committed suicide due to anxiety and sleeplessness ’caused by his retirement’ Inquest hears that Simon Cole, 55, retired as Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police in March, two weeks early
Joanne discovered her husband’s body in the garage of their home. Prior to his death, Mr. Cole had sought mental health care.
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A former police chief committed suicide just 12 days after his retirement, according to an inquiry.
The hearing was informed that Simon Cole, 55, had suffered from anxiousness and had not slept for days owing to worry about his future.
Mr. Cole had spoken to his doctor and a mental health nurse about his anxiety, but even the day before his death, he told medical professionals that he was not contemplating self-harm or suicide, as was revealed during the inquest held yesterday at Leicester Town Hall.
Professor Catherine Mason, the coroner, heard that Mr. Cole’s wife, Joanne, discovered his dead in the garage of their home in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, at approximately 8 a.m. on March 30. Although she dialed 911 and an ambulance arrived, he was pronounced dead at the site.
The 55-year-old Simon Cole suffered from anxiousness and had not slept for days out of concern for his future, according to testimony before his inquest.
Prior to and after his retirement, Mr. Cole disclosed to medical personnel that he was suffering from insomnia and anxiety. He informed his primary care physician, Dr. Gafar Oduwole, and a mental health nurse that he had no plans to harm himself.
Mr. Cole is survived by his wife, Jo Cole, who identified his body on the day of his passing, and his two children, Ben, 21, and Emily, 17 years of age. His retirement on March 18 made him the UK’s longest-serving chief constable.
The police conducted an investigation and discovered an iPad in the garage, on which a search for “suicide procedures” had been conducted at 3 a.m., with the last use of the internet occurring at 5 a.m. LeicestershireLive said no suicide note was found.
Dr. Gafar Oduwole, a former general practitioner at Kibworth Surgery, stated that Mr. Cole, the former head of police for Leicestershire, had received professional assistance both before and after his retirement.
Dr. Oduwole, recalling a telephone session six days before to Mr. Cole’s death, stated, ‘He was still experiencing significant levels of worry and described having trouble sleeping.’
The precipitating factor was his retirement from the police force. I asked him why he was retiring at the young age of 55, but he seemed unwilling to elaborate. I asked him what he planned to do after retirement, and he replied, ‘Decompress.’
Professor Mason questioned the physician, “Were you not concerned that Mr. Cole had suicidal intentions?” Doctor Oduwole responded, “You are correct, ma’am.”
Mr. Cole, a police officer for 33 years, had a second meeting with a mental health nurse on March 29 at his doctor’s office, when he reiterated that he had no suicidal thoughts. He informed the nurse that he had not slept in several days.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable David Sandall also testified, stating that Mr. Cole had support from Leicestershire police prior to his retirement, in addition to assistance from his doctor’s office and mental health agencies.
Mr. Cole, pictured here early in his career, departed as the nation’s longest-serving chief constable after 30 years as a police officer.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable David Sandall also testified, stating that Mr. Cole, pictured, had support from Leicestershire police prior to his retirement, in addition to assistance from his doctor’s office and mental health agencies.
Mr. Sandall stated, ‘Simon was extremely happy to be the head of police and had invested heavily in his position. All of our thoughts continue to be with Simon’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
Mr. Sandall stated, “His decision to retire was predicated on his attaining the age of 55.”
“Simon was an enormous proponent of health. He was aware of the available resources and how to use them.’
He continued, “Simon was really happy to be the head of police and had invested a great deal in his position.” Our thoughts continue to be with Simon’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.’
Professor Mason, noting a suicide conclusion, stated, ‘It was evident that retirement was a major step for him, and he didn’t keep it to himself.’ He accepted this and discussed his retirement concerns with others.
Professor Mason concluded that the death was a suicide.
She stated, ‘It was evident that his retirement was a major move for him, and he didn’t hide the fact. He accepted this and discussed his retirement fears with others.
Although Mr. Cole’s decision to retire was difficult, it was his choice and he had sought assistance. Mr. Cole was aware of the difficulties he was having with this, including his mood, worry, and inability to sleep.
He asserted that he had never entertained suicidal thoughts, reassuring the medical professionals he interacted with.
The family of Mr. Cole elected not to attend the inquiry. Professor Mason expressed her “deepest condolences” to Mr. Cole’s family and regarded his passing as a “great loss.”
For confidential assistance, phone 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch; see https://www.samaritans.org/ for more information.