Melvin James: Inquest finds failings by hospital before double stabbing tragedy
A son who fatally wounded his sister and stabbed his mother before turning the knife on himself was allowed to leave hospital after an 'inadequate' discharge from hospital before the attack, an inquest heard.
The inquest of Melvin James and sister Anne Marie at their family flat in Wolverhampton was concluded today, with a jury and coroner both declaring that there were failings from staff at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and the NHS Lothian Trust in the lead-up to the tragic attack on March 8.
On February 4 this year Melvin James was picked up by Scottish police who found him walking in the road in the early hours, before he was admitted to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and diagnosed with drug induced psychosis.
WATCH: Police speak to the media in the hours after the deaths
Leon James said he had received repeated calls from his brother saying that Anne Marie and their mother were in danger from Megatron, a Transformer superhero.
He was sectioned but released after 72 hours after making progress and returned to Wolverhampton, where he moved in with his mother.
However, after more than four hours of deliberating, the jury at the Black Country Coroners Court found that there was 'inadequate' dialogue between the family and hospital staff who released him, while the recording of his time at the hospital and the lack of a follow up meeting was also criticised.
The tragedy unfolded at Lynette James’ fourth floor flat on Leasowes Drive, Merry Hill, when her 33 year old son fatally stabbed his sister Anne Marie, a mother of five, before critically injuring his mother and fatally turning the knife on himself.
Black Country Coroner Zafar Siddique, speaking after the jury had given narrative verdicts in relation to both deaths, said: "Given the jury's findings, in particular in relation to the lack of documentation when Melvin James was discharged, I have concerns about the discharge procedure.
"I am going to write a report to the hospital and the trust about these concerns in order to try and prevent future deaths.
"I also understand that their is an internal investigation going on into this case."
Melvin's younger brother Leon James told the inquest earlier in the week how his brother had volunteered for a homeless charity and had been prime carer for their mother after she suffered a stroke.
Six years ago, following her recovery, he went to Scotland to finish a social care qualification at university but showed signs of mental illness on visits to Wolverhampton last year.
When delivering the jury's verdict, the foreman said: "There was inadequate documentation and recording of conversations between hospital staff and Melvin's family.
"There was also a missed opportunity for a follow up meeting after he had been released."
Earlier in the week,the inquest also heard details of the dramatic day from the point of view of police.
Emergency response officers told the coroner how repeated tasering had little effect on six foot three inch James who kept moving towards them, ‘saturated’ in blood, still holding a knife.
Jacquie Campbell, chief officer for acute services, NHS Lothian, said: “We will welcome the coroner’s report and will respond to his findings and recommendations. We will take all necessary actions to improve our services.”
