Brother's tribute to 'gentle giant' who took own life in fall from Trinity Leeds car park

Engineer Joseph Huddlestone, 39, suffered fatal head and chest injuries after falling from the car park at Trinity Leeds on June 26 2019, Wakefield Coroner's Court was told.

Mr Huddlestone was pronounced dead just 8.30am on Trevelyan Square.

The inquest was told CCTV captured Mr Huddlestone jumping from the car park on the eighth floor.

Area Coroner Jonathan Leach recorded a verdict of suicide on Mr Huddlestone, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia.

The inquest heard Mr Huddlestone had travelled to Leeds on public transport from his home in Askham Lane at York before going to Trinity Leeds.

After the hearing, Matthew Huddlestone, 37 - one of of Joe Huddlestone's three brothers - said: "Joe was a gentle giant. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.

"He was well-like in the community and had a passion for music.

"He struggled for over ten years with his mental health. We are grateful to the NHS for the care that he was given."

"I hope the inquest raises awareness of mental health and for people to keep their mental health in good condition."

The inquest heard Mr Huddlestone had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in late 2010 and was under the care of the community mental health team at Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

The inquest was told Mr Huddlestone had taken three overdoses over the years.

Mr Huddlestone's care co-ordinator Christopher Young told the inquest he had last seen him on May 30 2019 and that he had not expressed any suicidal thoughts or plans.

Coroner Mr Leach asked Mr Young: "Looking back, do you think you missed anything at all?"

Mr Young replied: "I can't think of anything, It was just a big shock really."

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Joy Ukono saw Mr Huddlestone in November 2018 and in April 2019.

Speaking about her reaction on hearing of Mr Huddlestone's death, Dr Ukono said: "I was shocked because I wasn't expecting it."

Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Leach said: "It seems to me Joe received a considerable amount of input from mental health staff over a period of nine years."

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