Inquest into dying of susceptible boy, 17, hit by prepare will examine prior care

Samuel Howes, from Purley, had a historical past of psychological ill-health and had been admitted to A&E over 40 occasions within the three years previous to his dying.

The youngest of 4 siblings, his household described him as a “sensible, articulate and artistic boy who was stuffed with potential”.

Samuel was keen about enjoying soccer and supported Crystal Palace, whereas he additionally cherished writing and performing music.

He turned the topic of a care order underneath Croydon Council simply earlier than his sixteenth birthday and was residing in semi-independent social companies lodging whereas receiving psychological well being assist from South London and Maudsley little one and adolescent psychological well being companies (SLaM CAMHS).

His psychological well being deteriorated drastically in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and on August 30, 2020, he was arrested by British Transport Police and held in custody whereas inebriated.

He didn’t obtain medical consideration whereas in custody, regardless of repeated makes an attempt to self-harm, and was launched from custody 19 hours later with out related safeguarding kinds having been accomplished.

Two days later, on September 1, he was recorded as a lacking particular person by the Metropolitan police after an incident at his lodging.

The next morning he referred to as 999 from a pal’s home while crying and expressing suicidal ideas.

Police attended his pal’s home however couldn’t discover Samuel.

He was classed as a “medium threat” lacking particular person and there was no energetic seek for him, and a number of other days later he died after being hit by a prepare at South Croydon prepare station.

An inquest at South London Coroner’s Court docket started on Monday (March 13) and is scheduled to final three weeks.

His household are searching for solutions in regards to the care and assist he acquired within the months earlier than his dying.

The inquest continues.