Man deliberately drove into wall the day after his arrest

Editor’s note: The following story contains details that some readers may find upsetting

A Douglas man died by suicide following a road collision just one day after he was arrested, an inquest has now found.

Jack Sheppard left a video message for his loved ones on January 16 this year before harming himself at his Douglas home.

He then drove away in his red Mini Cooper and, a couple of hours later, the vehicle struck a wall at Hillberry on the Mountain Road in Onchan.

At Tuesday’s inquest, Coroner James Brooks concluded that Jack died by suicide after hearing evidence that the collision was deliberate and that Jack had made no attempt to avoid it.

The inquest heard that Jack had been arrested the day before his death at his home on Anagh Coar Road in Douglas.

Devices were seized and Jack was interviewed before being released on bail. One officer described him as ‘visibly shaken’ following his arrest.

A questionnaire was carried out to assess Jack’s mental and physical health.

Custody Sergeant William Jones gave evidence in which he said Jack had admitted attempting suicide and self-harm years ago while a pupil at school.

However, Jack reported having no thoughts of suicide or self-harm at that time.

He was assessed by a doctor and given medication for a heart condition, as well as something to help with his anxiety.

Sgt Jones said: ‘The concerns we had were normal for someone who had just been arrested for such offences.

‘In custody we gain an understanding as to whether someone is telling the truth or withholding anything. We look at their demeanour and rely on what they have told the doctor or their advocate.

‘Jack had already been honest in admitting his previous mental health issues so we did not feel he was withholding anything.’

Sgt Jones confirmed Jack was given advice and contacts he could call if he was struggling with his mental health.

Sgt Jones explained that, if concerns had been raised, observations could have been increased and Jack would not have been released from custody before a mental health professional had assessed him.

The family’s advocate Darren Taubitz raised concerns that the doctor may not have seen the custody records confirming Jack’s previous suicide attempt and self-harm.

In a statement, Jack’s girlfriend, who lived in England, said: ‘Jack was pragmatic and he never gave me any concerns that he was depressed. He only drank socially and never smoked or took drugs.’

She said they often discussed trips away and had planned to visit the Lake District just a few days after his death.

She added: ‘There was nothing in my communication with Jack that made me think he would harm himself in any way.’

A statement was also read out from Jack’s father, Steven Sheppard.

He said the family lived in Laxey when Jack was born, before moving to Foxdale. Jack had a brother and sister.

Jack worked for Gough Electrical for ten years before joining Manx Controls as a heating compliance engineer.

Mr Sheppard said: ‘Jack was a pleasant and well-liked boy. He never caused any trouble and had a close set of friends he kept in touch with all his life.’

Mr Sheppard added: ‘Jack was a closed book when talking about mental health and never really opened up.’

However, Mr Sheppard said it became apparent from conversations with his son’s friends after Jack’s death that he had experienced periods of depression from time to time.

Mr Sheppard only found out something was wrong on January 15 when he got a call from Jack’s boss saying he had not come to work.

He went to Jack’s home and learned that police had arrested his son. At the police station, he was told only that Jack had been arrested and was safe and well.

His concern deepened the following morning when he received a message from Jack indicating that he intended to end his life and could not carry on.

Mr Sheppard immediately contacted police. Officers attended Jack’s home but found nobody there. Inside, they discovered evidence that Jack had seriously harmed himself before leaving the house.

Officers found a phone and a note explaining how to view a video in which Jack spoke about his last will and testament.

Jack’s red Mini Cooper was missing from the driveway, prompting police to launch a major search for him.

The inquest heard evidence from several officers involved in the search to find Jack.

Police launched a social media appeal and deployed officers to all the Mountain Road exits. At one stage, 17 police vehicles were involved.

Jack’s car was spotted near Creg-ny-Baa, reportedly being driven erratically and at speed. Officers kept the vehicle in sight but avoided a pursuit that could put other road users at risk.

The Mini was subsequently seen crashing into a stone wall at the bottom of Hillberry.

Witnesses said the vehicle appeared not to slow down or change direction before the collision. One witness described seeing the car overturn after the impact.

A statement was read from an officer following Jack’s car. She estimated the Mini was travelling at 80-90mph.

She said: ‘I saw the Mini drive into the wall. There was a lot of smoke and debris. I felt this awful pit in my stomach.’

Officers found Jack lying in the road and began CPR, but had to move him away because the car was on fire.

One witness said the Mini appeared to slow on the approach to Hillberry before accelerating.

A collision investigation found Jack was not wearing a seatbelt and that no attempt had been made to brake or steer away from the wall.

The car was travelling at least 70mph when it hit the wall. Investigators concluded: ‘The collision was an intentional act.’

In his statement, Mr Sheppard said: ‘Losing Jack has utterly devastated his family and friends and we will never get over losing him.’

A post-mortem was carried out which concluded the medical cause of death was ‘a skull base fracture as a consequence of a road traffic collision’.

On behalf of Jack’s family, Mr Taubitz said: ‘The family would like to thank all the emergency services and members of the public who tried to help Jack which was a traumatic and distressing situation for all involved.’

The evidence also covered the distinction between the assessment carried out while Jack was in custody and the concerns raised by his family after his death. The coroner considered the decisions taken following the arrest and the police operation to find Jack after his father raised the alarm.

Mr Brooks said Jack had appeared happy and grounded, but that had changed following his arrest.

He ruled out any systemic failings by police following the arrest and accepted that everything possible had been done to protect Jack’s welfare.

He also found that the force’s attempts to locate Jack ‘played no material part’ in his death and described officers’ actions as ‘reasonable’.

Mr Brooks concluded the act of crashing into the wall was deliberate and returned a verdict of suicide.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story, support is available. Visit www.gov.im/wellbeingsupport for details of organisations that can help.