A Turkish national, who suffered from schizophrenic tendencies and immense stress, died from suicide days after his claim for asylum was rejected, an inquest has concluded.
Oguz Adsiz, from Turkey, had been placed into a bedsit in Accrington after fleeing the country in fear of political persecution.
The 28-year-old was found by a fellow resident of the property weeks after his death and his body was said to have decomposed considerably when reported to the police.
During his inquest at Accrington Town Hall, Coroner Kate Bissett heard how Oguz had thought that government agents were following him as well as other people who were forcing him to take his own life.
He had visited the police to raise his concerns about the government agents and was said by the front counter assistant to not be making much sense, and that he jumped around several topics, but she still lodged a complaint and told him to ring the migrant helpline.
A statement read out by his housemate, Sufyan Omer, explained how he had become incredibly concerned after his asylum appeal was rejected and that he was a “very good person” and that she felt for him.
Detective Inspector Tammy Woodhouse, who was the senior investigating officer in the case said in court that Oguz had left Turkey and flew to Ireland with fake documents he purchased in Istanbul, which were said to cost £10,000.
He was said to have been afraid of not having a fair trial in Turkey due to a charge of publicly insulting the Turkish ruling party.
After being refused asylum on August 17, having not qualified for refugee status, he appealed the next day and during his tenure in the country, he wasn’t considered to have ever been here illegally.
DI Woodhouse said that there was no suggestion of outside involvement.
Residents who lived near to the bedsits had reported that there was drug use within the house and police found evidence of cannabis and alcohol.
Oguz had also visited Blackburn Royal Hospital A&E and reported having mood swings and that he required mental health support.
Zonya Cunningham, a mental health practitioner for Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, explained that there had been some initial difficulties with his assessment due to the phone used to call the interpreter not having a speaker function.
At the time of assessment, June 20, he had denied plans to hurt himself and was referred to a mental health support helpline.
He attended again on August 2 but left without being seen as he did not want to wait.
Zonya said: “Three services he had contact with, all the pathways that should have been followed and it was unfortunate that a full assessment couldn’t be completed due to faulty equipment.
“All we can do is encourage someone to access support.”
Ms Bissett said: “It is particularly heartbreaking. He travelled to this country and I can say that he followed all legal procedures and he was legally in the country until completion.
“He was not known to the police, and he was clearly struggling with his mental health and the nature of the delusions.
“He has repeatedly said he was not going to harm himself and it was not foreseeable that he would have taken his life.”
Ms Bissett confirmed a conclusion of suicide by hanging.
If you are struggling with your mental health, contact Samaritans by calling 116 123, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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