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Inquest: Company director and talented Christchurch artist Ashley Phillips took his own life




A COMPANY director suffering from anxiety and depression hanged himself, an inquest at Bournemouth Coroners’ Court has heard.

Ashley Phllips (51) had separated from his wife and was living back at his parent’s home in Viking Way, Mudeford, when he committed suicide.

A mental health practitioner who had seen him three weeks before said in a statement that Mr Phillips had expressed no intention of taking his life and his “children were a strong positive in his life”.

Bournemouth Coroners' Court
Bournemouth Coroners' Court

But on 28th November last year police responding to a ‘concern for welfare call’ found him hanging in a flat in Durley Gardens, Bournemouth, which he owned but was empty at the time.

In a statement his sister Amber Silverman said her brother had been an artist and climate activist who was “dedicated to his dog”.

His GP Dr John Harrington gave written evidence to the inquest which revealed that Mr Phillips had been diagnosed with ADHD and PTSD. He was also taking anti-depressants at the time of his death.

He said that Mr Phillips had “low mood” the last time he saw him, but said he was being well supported by his sister and parents. Mr Harrington said: “He said he was not having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.”

Julia De Kassel, a mental health practioner, saw Mr Phillips around three weeks before he took his own life. She said he had told her he was worried the anti-depressants were not working but had agreed to continue them.

The fire service broke down the door of the flat he was found dead in. A suicide note was found on a bed.

Coroner Brendan Allen said he was satisfied that Mr Phillips had died of asphyxiation and ruled his death a suicide.



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