Inquest into death of Sunderland teenager Keaton Burton to look at mental health service's care

A coroner has requested further statements from health trust staff as an inquest into the death of a Sunderland teenager will look at the care provided by mental health services.
Keaton Burton.Keaton Burton.
Keaton Burton.

During a second pre-inquest review, held at Sunderland Coroner’s Court on Thursday, January 16, assistant coroner Karin Welsh requested further statements from the mental health trust.

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The final inquest hearing will consider Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights - which protects the right to human life and can take in the responsibilities of agencies as part of the state’s duty.

The 19-year-old had been a voluntary patient and had been allowed short periods of leave from the unit mostly while remaining on the grounds.

At the the review hearing, Ms Welsh requested further witness statements from staff at the trust’s unit where Keaton was an inpatient to clarify points missing in the documents already provided.

The assistant coroner has also asked if a senior member of staff at the trust could attend the inquest in case any recommendations are to be made.

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She said: “There may well be concerns that I have with regards to Keaton’s case. I don’t know if this will be the case as I haven’t heard any evidence yet.”

A Just Giving page set up to help Keaton’s loved ones raised thousands of pounds.