Inquest held into death of Norfolk man Graham Ring-Davies
Graham Ring-Davies, 58, had been suffering from depression and low mood following the breakdown of his marriage and had also been drinking more heavily in the period before his death.
His colleague, Karol Ochrymowicz, became increasingly worried because she knew he lived alone and had been receiving help for his mental health.
Graham Ring-Davies was said to have been in a 'jolly' mood shortly before he was found deceased at home (Image: MEMORIAL)
After police initially said the circumstances did not meet the threshold for an immediate attendance, she went to Mr Ring-Davies’s home in Mill Road, North Tuddenham, near Dereham, on March 10.
She received no response after repeatedly knocking and waiting outside for about 20 minutes.
Ms Ochrymowicz then spoke to a neighbour, who looked through the letterbox and said he believed he could see Mr Ring-Davies' body inside.
She checked herself, saw him at the bottom of the stairs and immediately called the emergency services.
An inquest held at Norfolk Coroner's Court on July 23 heard Mr Ring-Davies, who was born in Lincolnshire on June 29, 1967, worked for Voyage Care, supporting people with additional care needs.
Ms Ochrymowicz said he had been on annual leave and was expected to return to work on March 10, although he unexpectedly attended the workplace a day earlier.
“He was in a jolly mood and said, ‘see you tomorrow’,” she said.
When he did not arrive the following morning, she made several attempts to contact him by telephone and text message. His phone initially rang before it stopped connecting.
Staff remained concerned and tried to contact his next of kin, but the number held by the company was incorrect.
Ms Ochrymowicz said: “I knew he was getting help for depression, he was recently divorced and lived alone, so I decided to do a welfare check.”
Police Constable Scott Hefner said officers were called to the property at 11.17am on March 10. Attempts were made to enter through rear windows and force the front door before firefighters gained access using a key held in a key safe.
Mr Ring-Davies, whose medical cause of death was recorded as hanging, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The inquest heard Mr Ring-Davies had experienced pain linked to gallstones, which had affected his mood, social life and general wellbeing.
Dr Johanna FitzGerald, of Mattishall and Lenwade Surgeries, said he had reported panic attacks, insomnia and low mood in September.
Norfolk Coroner's Court, at County Hall in Norwich. (Image: Newsquest)
He had described fleeting thoughts of suicide but had no plan or intention to act on them.
Mr Ring-Davies was signposted to talking therapies and restarted on the antidepressant mirtazapine.
The following month, he told his GP that he was feeling better, although he later missed an appointment with the talking therapies service.
His son, Ben Ring-Davies, said his father had appeared “a little low” when he last saw him, but gave him no immediate cause for concern.
“He seemed his normal self, a little low, but said that he would be all right,” he said.
“He had cut down on his drinking. We spent a couple of hours together before he went to work.”
However, Ben said his father had lost weight and appeared not to have been looking after himself.
“He had not shaved or cut his hair,” he said.
Mr Ring-Davies had also spoken positively about the future and told his son he was looking forward to attending his wedding.
Ben said his father told him he loved him, something he did not usually say.
“It caused a flicker of concern, but I thought he was just trying to make more of an effort with our relationship,” he said.
The court heard Mr Ring-Davies’s former wife had continued living at the family home for a period because of financial pressures, but had moved out shortly before his death.
Coroner Yvonne Blake (Image: Newsquest)
Toxicology tests found 161mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, more than twice the legal drink-driving limit.
Pathologist Dr Stephen Morley said the likely effects of that level of alcohol included emotional instability, impaired critical judgement and decreased sensory response.
Recording a narrative conclusion, area coroner Yvonne Blake said: “Because he was under the influence of alcohol, I cannot be sufficiently sure, to the required standard of proof, that he was clear this would be a final act."
Anyone struggling with their mental health can contact Samaritans free, at any time, by calling 116 123.
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Samaritans can be reached 24/7 on 116 123 for completely confidential support.
The NHS First Response Service is available 24/7 on 111 option 2, providing urgent mental health support for people in Norfolk and Suffolk.
