Derbyshire accountant took his own life after police incident in supermarket, inquest hears

Robert Graham Moore, of Grove Place, Youlgrave, was found dead in woodland in Rowsley last year.

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Giving evidence at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, Detective Constable Toby Maddock, of Derbyshire Constabulary, said Mr Moore visited his GP on June 4 last year to complain about anxiety, sleeping problems and poor appetite, and was prescribed medication.

The court heard Mr Moore’s wife Carol Moore said she ‘struggled to cope with his his behaviour while he was on the medication’.

She added: “He seemed to go into a deep hole emotionally.

“His behavior became stressful and overwhelming – he was acting weirdly.”

According to Det Con Maddock, police attended Sainsbury’s supermarket in Matlock on June 16 last year after Mr Moore ‘assaulted’ Ms Moore by grabbing her – causing her distress.

Det Con Maddock told the inquest she did not want her husband to be arrested for the incident but was keen for him to ‘get help’ while she stayed with her daughter ‘for a few days to diffuse the situation’.

“Officers liased with the mental health traige service and referred Mr Moore to additional support via his GP,” Det Con Maddock said.

“He appeared willing to discuss things with his GP.”

Mr Moore – who was due to be seen by a GP the following day – did not express any suicidal thoughts at the time and he did not want to go to hospital, the court heard.

Coroner Peter Nieto said he did not find ‘any issues with regards to the police response’ to the incident in Sainsbury’s.

Mr Moore was subsequently reported missing after he could not be contacted.

Following a search by police and mountain rescue teams, his body was found on June 22 last year.

Post-mortem tests concluded he died as a result of hemorrhaging due to self-inflicted lacerations.

Mr Nieto concluded Mr Moore died by suicide and offered his condolences to his loved ones as the inquest ended.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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