Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest into the Death of Paul DICKSON

Inquest into the Death of Paul DICKSON

Delivered on :29 August 2018

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Linton

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : The deceased at the time of his death was 34 years of age with a long history of mental health issues. He had been diagnosed with severe paranoid schizophrenia that required ongoing medical treatment.  In November 2013 the deceased was on a Community Treatment Order and was subject to regular psychiatric review and depot medication.  The deceased was under the care of Osborne Park Mental Health Clinic while on the order.

The inquest focused primarily on the psychiatric care provided to the deceased shortly prior to his death and whether there were any warning signs that he was actively suicidal that were missed.

The deceased was single and lived alone in his rental accommodation in Osborne Park. He was unable to work due to his illness and received disability support pension.  Throughout his life the deceased had been supported by both his parents.  The deceased had first been diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1999.  He was trialled on the antipsychotic medication clozapine and various other medications to stablise his mood.  The deceased relapsed repeatedly due to his non-compliance with his medications and required hospitalisation for treatment.  Between January 1999 and November 2013 the deceased was admitted to hospital on 18 occasions, usually to Graylands Hospital.  He was admitted as an involuntary patient and his admissions could be many months in length.

On 11 November 2013 the deceased recorded what could be described as a ‘suicide message’ on his mobile telephone. The deceased then walked up to Main Street in Osborne Park, which is a relatively busy road in the area.  He was observed to pace up and down on the footpath beside Main Street for approximately 15 minutes while various cars passed by.  He appeared to perhaps be waiting for someone.

The deceased was seen to be standing on the side of the road very close to the kerb moving from side to side. Then, without warning, the deceased jumped in front of a passing truck that was travelling south on Main Street.  The truck driver swerved but was unable to avoid the deceased and the left hand side of the truck struck the deceased’s body.

The Coroner was satisfied that the deceased’s sudden decision to end his life was unexpected and he did not show any signs to his treating mental health team prior to doing so.

The Coroner found the deceased died on 11 November 2013 from multiple injuries and his death was by way of suicide.

Catch Words : Community Treatment Order : Psychotic episodes after using cannabis : Suicide.


Last updated: 30-Apr-2019

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