A ‘TALENTED counsellor, psychotherapist and published author’ died after stepping into the path of a train, an inquest heard.
Paul Sibson, from Kendal, died on June 26 last year after being struck by a train travelling through Oxenholme train station.
At a findings and conclusion hearing at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court on July 25, Miss Kirsty Gomersal ruled the 48-year-old had committed a ‘very deliberate act for which there could be no return’.
The court heard Mr Sibson had been waiting with a mental health worker who was accompanying him to London Euston to receive his third ketamine-based therapy treatment to support his mental health.
Miss Gomersal said they had both purchased tickets and a coffee at the station at around 9am.
She said the mental health worker was making arrangements for assistance at Euston station when she looked up to see that Mr Sibson had walked off from his seat to around three feet from the platform edge.
The court heard she heard a train approaching and shouted a warning to Mr Sibson to alert him about an oncoming train.
Miss Gomersal said the mental health worker did not have any concerns about Mr Sibson that day.
His death was confirmed by paramedics at 9:27 am.
Mr Sibson was described by his family as a ‘clever, kind, loving and funny man, who was passionate about his work, family and friends.’
The court heard he had previously attempted to end his own life last year when he crashed his car at 60mph. The incident left him requiring surgery on his knee, the court was told.
Miss Gomersal told the court Mr Sibson had diagnosis of a depressive disorder with associated anxiety and that he had chronic thoughts of self-harm, suicide and suicidal ideation, including taking his life by train.
She said Mr Sibson had previously expressed this and that there was evidence of this found on his phone.
Miss Gomersal added Mr Sibson had a number of stresses in his life which caused him distress.
She said he had flashbacks to a dog attack and struggled to regulate his own temperature, for example.
Concluding the inquest, Miss Gomersal said Mr Sibson died as a result of 1a multiple injuries due to 1b collision with a train and 2 depression.
Miss Gomersal said: “He was a talented counsellor, psychotherapist and a published author. In many respects, his legacy lives on through his work.
“He was an extremely knowledgeable individual and showed good insight into his mental health.
"He attempted numerous therapies and medications and also had a huge amount of support from his family, friends and organisations.”
If you need someone to talk to call Samaritans on 116 123.
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