Inquest into death of psychiatric patient begins

The inquest into the death of an 18-year-old psychiatric patient begins today in Harrogate.

Steven Hart died in September 2002 around ten hours after discharging himself from a psychiatric ward at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton. 

Two days before his death Steven was taken by members of his family to Harrogate Hospital where he was known to the staff and had agreed to be admitted, but after his family left it was discovered there was no bed available.

Steven was transferred to Friarage Hospital miles away in Northallerton and his family was not informed of the transfer.

He had a history of paranoid schizophrenia and was in a disorientated state when he left the hospital trying to find his way home.

Steven was run over and killed by a passing car. No blame was attached to the motorist.

More information

Steven Hart inquest briefing