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Daughter Joan Parr hits out at psychiatric care of Tenterden man who shot himself at vineyard after months of treatment

A man shot himself after months of psychiatric treatment, an inquest heard.

John Parr, 75, was found dead in a vineyard close to his home in Smallhythe Road, Tenterden on May 27 this year, the hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court was told.

He had suffered a shotgun wound to the head.

The inquest heard Mr Parr had been undergoing treatment after suffering a fall at his home on February 5 in which he injured his head.

Folkestone magistrates' court, where the inquest was heard
Folkestone magistrates' court, where the inquest was heard

The fall had left him suffering nightmares and flashbacks relating to his childhood, although it was not specified what had happened to him when he was young.

Mr Parr was eventually put under the care of mental health professionals and spent four weeks at St Martin’s Hospital in Canterbury until he seemed to have improved.

He was discharged on May 13, but after his condition worsened he was given more medication.

“The nurses didn’t give a hoot. He was just another old man on the way out" - Joan Parr

His daughter Joan Parr told the inquest: “The nurses didn’t give a hoot. He was just another old man on the way out.”

She told psychiatric consultant Dr Anna Andrew, who ordered the increase of medication: “It was appalling that you should up his dosage. He needed counselling.”

She also suggested he would still be here if he had more support. Coroner Rachel Redman concluded that Mr Parr had taken his own life.

She expressed concern at his care given and said she would keep the details on file should a similar case come up.

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