'Extremely special' Ramsey man had 'settled intention' to end his own life

Inquest into death of Jamie Barrow concluded at Douglas Courthouse

A warning that this story contains information which some readers may find distressing.

A verdict of suicide has been recorded at the inquest of a Ramsey man who drowned in 2023.

Jamie Grahame Barrow was reported missing on 18 September of that year.

His body was discovered by the crew on a fishing vessel, off the coast of Cranstal, 12 days later.

At Douglas Courthouse today (7 February) Coroner of Inquests James Brooks said he was satisfied that Mr Barrow had a ‘settled intention’ to end his own life when he’d entered Ramsey Bay.

‘Extremely Special’

The 39-year-old was reported missing by his mother Valerie Nelson who’d last seen her son on 16 September when he’d visited her at home bringing with him 14 white roses.

Describing his mood as ‘solemn’ she said he’d told her he’d ‘come to say goodbye’; when she was unable to contact him two days later she went to his flat where she found a single white rose on his bed.

Mrs Nelson told the court she began ‘fearing the worst’ adding she felt her son – who she described as ‘extremely special’ - had made the ‘conscious and deliberate’ decision to end his life.

Doorbell camera footage from the property where Mr Barrow lived showed him leaving at 10.53pm on 17 September carrying a backpack with string attached to it; he never returned.

“For the most part Jamie was a happy person.” Valerie Nelson

Manannan Court

The court heard Mr Barrow had struggled with his mental health for a number of years and had been diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.

Details of his interactions with the Mental Health Service in the days before his disappearance were outlined including a number of attendances at Noble’s Hospital.  

Mrs Nelson told the court her son had been ‘well and truly in crisis’ after being discharged from Manannan Court on 6 September adding: “It was clear to me he was struggling badly.”

On 10 September Mr Barrow was seen by the Crisis Response Team, including a psychiatrist based at the inpatient facility, after being taken to Accident and Emergency.

A recording of a conversation between Dr Kamran Abid and Mr Barrow was played to the court in which they were discussing Mr Barrow’s wish to be admitted back to Manannan Court.  

Dr Abid is heard telling Mr Barrow: “Not all suicides are preventable.”

In response Mr Barrow was heard saying: “Are you going to lift a finger to stop me committing suicide right now?”

When Dr Abid confirmed he would not be admitting him to the inpatient facility, and instead asking the Community Mental Health Team to continue overseeing his care, Mr Barrow was heard saying: “Do you see that Mum? They don’t care.”

‘Boundaried Response’

Giving evidence to the inquest Dr Abid said Mr Barrow had been ‘highly motivated’ to be re-admitted but hadn’t met the threshold.

He added that whilst Mr Barrow was expressing suicidal thoughts there was no intent or plan present and he was showing no signs of ‘capacity issues’.

Dr Abid said the situation required a ‘boundaried response’ adding that the risk to patients with EUPD was often heightened when they were admitted to an inpatient facility even for a short time.

He added: “All suicides are not preventable. My judgement on how best to manage that risk was to keep his treatment in the community.”

Doctor Hammad Khan, who conducted an urgent review of Mr Barrow two days later, told the court Mr Barrow had a history of non-compliance with mental health medication.

He confirmed it was also his opinion that there was not a ‘real and immediate threat’ to Mr Barrow’s life.

Serious Incident Report

The court heard Manx Care had instigated a Serious Incident Investigation Report following Mr Barrow’s death.

It made a number of recommendations including ensuring all staff were compliant with care plans and ensuring risk assessments were properly completed and audited.

Referring to the possibility that neglect contributed to Mr Barrow’s death the health body’s advocate told the hearing: “I would absolutely submit that it does not arise in this case.”

Verdict

Recording a verdict of suicide Coroner Brooks said he believed Mr Barrow had entered the water in Ramsey Bay either very late on 17 September or in the early hours of the following day.

Acknowledging that Mr Barrow’s risk of self-harm or suicide was ‘chronic’ he said, despite his difficulties, he’d ‘continued to seek help in his own way’ and was involved in his own care plan.

“Undoubtedly Jamie was more vulnerable than many, but he did not display helplessness or extreme vulnerability.” – Coroner James Brooks

Coroner Brooks also noted that, despite repeated involvement with mental health services in the days leading up to Mr Barrow’s death, there was no evidence of neglect by Manx Care.

He said whilst there was 'cause for concern’ in relation to the risk assessments following Mr Barrow exiting Manannan Court in early September he was happy with the action plan Manx Care had now put in place.

Formally closing the inquest Coroner Brooks said it was clear how kind, artistic, intelligent and humorous Mr Barrow was adding: “I’m sure he will have had an impact on all who knew him.

“I hope that it is possible for him to be remembered in that way.”

Support

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support HERE.