A POLICE officer who took his own life just weeks after becoming a dad was “overwhelmed” by life and work pressures, an inquest heard.
Charlie Mitchell, 26, was tragically found dead at St Aidan’s Nature Reserve in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in June.
Charlie was reported missing by his heartbroken family after he was last seen leaving his home at around 4pm on June 21.
The next day, the young officer’s body was sadly discovered on a riverbank along the River Aire.
In the weeks prior to his death, Charlie had welcomed a baby with his partner and fellow officer, Brooklyn Smith.
Now, an inquest has heard the 26-year-old had struggled to cope with the demands of his job and becoming a parent.
Wakefield Coroner’s Court heard concerns had never previously been raised over Charlie’s mental health.
But the copper, who joined West Yorkshire Police in 2022, had recently undergone training to carry a taser.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
His mum, Shirley Mitchell, told the inquest the new responsibility had added pressure on Charlie at work.
In her statement, she said: “He had become paranoid about things, he was jumpy and apologised for things frequently”.
She explained his mental health began to decline in April, with the added stress of finances, a new baby and moving home.
The court also heard the young dad had struggled to cope following the deaths of his grandparents.
Months later, Charlie was prescribed antidepressants by his GP, Dr Taimur Mansoor.
Dr Mansoor told the inquest Charlie’s consultations had largely related to routine health concerns.
But, during an appointment in June, they discussed the prospect of counselling sessions.
They also spoke about medication for anxiety and depression during the consultation, which was “the first and last time” she saw Charlie.
DS Dean Hopley, also of West Yorkshire Police, told the inquest about Charlie’s “unusual” behaviour in the build-up to his death.
He told the court Charlie’s partner had seen him leave their house at around 4pm.
DS Hopley said: “Brooklyn expressed that this behaviour was out of character..
“…and that he was suffering from anxiety as he was overwhelmed.
“She noticed a knife was missing from the kitchen. She said ‘I know my boyfriend and he has gone to harm himself’.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
Charlie’s dad, Mark Mitchell, later spotted his son’s vehicle in a car park near the nature reserve.
Mountain rescue teams and emergency crews were scrambled to the scene, with Charlie’s body discovered the following evening.
A verdict of suicide was recorded by area coroner Oliver Longstaff.
Mr Longstaff said: “Charlie has died as a result of an act he performed on himself.
“It is evident that this is a young man who is going to be missed enormously.
“I hope very much that over time it will be the good memories that have precedence in your minds.”
