Home / Crime and Justice / Mother Suspects Murder in Son's Mental Health Death
Mother Suspects Murder in Son's Mental Health Death
10 Feb
Summary
- Mother believes son was strangled, not suicide.
- The inquiry examines over 2,000 deaths in care.
- Pathologist struck off for listing wrong cause of death.
A mother has voiced her strong belief that her son, Ben Morris, was strangled rather than having taken his own life while under the care of an Essex mental health trust. Ben, aged 20, was found deceased in his room at the Linden Centre in Chelmsford on December 28, 2008, after a three-week inpatient stay.
His mother, Lisa Morris, testified at the Lampard Inquiry, stating the belt purportedly used in his death was too long. She further highlighted that the pathologist who performed the post-mortem was later disqualified for listing incorrect causes of death in another case. The inquiry is comprehensively reviewing over 2,000 deaths connected to NHS mental health services in Essex across a 24-year period.
Morris recounted her son's distress during his stay, describing the centre as 'hell' but noting he endured it for the potential help. She also shared hearing him being restrained and pleading with a nurse. She spoke to him for the last time shortly before his death, noting his slurred speech, and later contacted the ward after he expressed suicidal or homicidal intentions. Two staff members left their shift early that night, and Ben was discovered deceased approximately 30 minutes later.
Essex Police confirmed they are assisting the Lampard Inquiry. The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has also been contacted for comment. The inquiry continues its proceedings in London.
