What failures occurred in the case of Roger Leadbeater's death?

Failures involved inadequate risk assessments, improper granting of leave from a mental health unit, and poor handover procedures between police forces and the NHS trust.

Why was Emma Borowy granted leave from the mental health unit?

The coroner concluded that leave was granted because staff at the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust failed to follow their own policies and did not have an accurate risk assessment.

What actions are being taken after the coroner's findings?

Prevention of future death reports are being sent to police forces and the Home Office, with potential reports for the NHS trust pending announced procedural improvements.

Home / Crime and Justice / Pensioner's Death: Police & NHS Failed Family

Pensioner's Death: Police & NHS Failed Family

22 Jan

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Summary

Mental health patient escaped unit, killed pensioner.
Coroner cited multiple failures by police and NHS.
Family demands accountability for systemic lapses.

Pensioner's Death: Police & NHS Failed Family

A pensioner's family has alleged systemic failures by two police forces and an NHS trust after he was killed by a mental health patient who had absconded. The patient, Emma Borowy, fatally stabbed Roger Leadbeater, 74, in August 2023. She had absconded from a unit in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

The inquest, concluded on Thursday, revealed Ms. Borowy had a history of absconding and non-compliance. The coroner highlighted that leave was granted two days before the attack due to staff failing to follow policies and maintain accurate risk assessments.

Coroner Tanyka Rawden criticized handover procedures between Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire police forces for vulnerable missing individuals. She concluded that had procedures been followed, leave would likely not have been granted due to high-risk factors.