Neil Woodley

I am Jonathan Landau, assistant coroner for the coroner area of South London

On 11 March 2024 an investigation was commenced into the death of Neil John Woodley.  The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 17 July 2024. The conclusion of the     inquest was suicide.

Neil Woodley was found [REDACTED] at 7.25 am on 4 January 2024.  Evidence from suicide notes suggest he killed himself some time overnight.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. – Mr Woodley’s brother and sister-in-law gave evidence at the hearing that a colleague of Mr Woodley called the police on the morning of 4 January concerned that he had not arrived at work.  Their evidence was that an ambulance arrived to carry out a welfare check the following day (5 January) at around 1pm.  They were told that the reason for the delay was confusion between Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police. On the evidence before me, including that of Mr Woodley and his wife, I am satisfied that an earlier attendance would not have affected the outcome.  However, I am concerned that failures in communication could result in avoidable fatalities in future cases.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe  your organisations have the power to take such action.