Rochdale Mum Died Hours After Texting Crisis Service Post-Rape Report, Inquest Hears
Jessica Smithson, 27, who had a history of bravely grappling with severe mental health challenges, reached out to Shout, a 24-hour urgent mental health text service, on the evening of August 28th, 2024. This was just over 24 hours after she had reported a rape to Greater Manchester Police.
Rochdale Coroners’ Court heard today how Ms. Smithson, devastated by the assault, explicitly told the Shout operator she wanted to take her own life, describing when and how she planned to do it. The conversation ended after 44 minutes. The following morning, on August 29th, 2024, her father tragically discovered her body at her home, having carried out the actions she warned of.
Described by her mum, Eileen Smithson, as, "funny, quirky, and full-of-life", Jessica was a devoted mother to her nine-year-old daughter and three-year-old son. She was a multi-faceted individual, working as a special educational needs teaching assistant, training in outdoor education, and was a first aider, an air force cadet, and a talented jiu-jitsu martial artist.
The court heard that Jessica's longstanding struggles with mental health, including self-harm and overdoses, significantly worsened following the stillbirth of her second child five years prior. Diagnosed with unstable personality disorder and psychosis, she began hearing the voice of her stillborn son encouraging her to die. Despite these profound challenges, Jessica consistently sought help, engaging regularly with her GP and Pennine Care mental health carers.
Coroner Joanne Kearsley noted that Jessica was, "not impulsive", and, "recognised and was clear about the plan to support her", routinely alerting family or professionals when her mental state deteriorated. Evidence also showed she was planning for the future, having booked her daughter’s first horse-riding lesson, wrapped birthday presents, and organised psychologist appointments.
The immediate events leading to her death began on August 27th, 2024, when Jessica reported to police that she had been recently raped after entering a new relationship. She discussed the assault with her mental health care co-ordinator, a close friend, and her father.
The next day, August 28th, she underwent examinations at Manchester’s sexual assault centre. The court heard she found the ongoing investigation difficult to cope with and feared her partner, who had not yet been arrested, might appear at her home. Despite this, she managed to attend her beloved jiu-jitsu class, as exercise was a vital part of her mental wellbeing routine.
That evening, after her father had taken her three-year-old son to give her a break, and her daughter was away on holiday, Jessica was dropped home by a friend. She told her dad she would have a bath and go to bed, making plans for him to provide childcare the next morning for a meeting with her care coordinator.
Evidence from the police investigation, presented in court, revealed that after her father left, Jessica contacted Shout shortly after 9 PM. Answering questions from the operator, she described her profound distress, stating she had been sexually assaulted on August 26, couldn't, "feel clean", and had, "nowhere to escape". She admitted she, "didn’t want to be in this body that he touched", and, "didn’t want to live anymore", confirming she had the means to act and a timeline of, "tonight".
The court noted that Jessica's then-partner was arrested as part of the rape investigation the day after her death. However, Detective Inspector Sam Taylor of Greater Manchester Police confirmed there was no evidence to suggest the man accused of rape had any culpability in the investigation into Jessica’s death.
The inquest continues as the court examines the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss, particularly the interaction with mental health support services in the hours leading to her death.
.jpg)
Comments
Send your story in to editor@rochdalevaliant.uk
Post a Comment