Shock death after cops quiz man, 20

A young man killed himself hours after being arrested for possessing indecent pictures of children, an inquest heard.

Luke Prince, 20, was found hanging out of a bedroom window by his father in April last year.

Speaking at Chesterfield coroners’ court, Ian Prince said his son had a “heart of gold”.

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The coroner ruled trainee business advisor Mr Prince committed suicide due to his arrest.

Last Thursday’s inquest heard how police officers acting on information received from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre arrested Mr Prince at his mother’s house on Lucas Road, Newbold, shortly after 7.30am on April 15.

He was taken to Chesterfield police station for questioning before being released on bail with a condition to live at his father’s home in Blandford Drive, Newbold.

Mr Prince was collected from the station by his father at about 11.30am and taken to his address.

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His father then went to fetch Mr Prince’s car from Lucas Road and when he returned to his house he found his son hanging out of the window.

Mr Prince told the court: “When I saw him hanging there, my body went into freeze mode.

“I screamed like a baby.”

In a statement read out by the coroner, neighbour Andrew Hudson said he heard Mr Prince’s cries for help and rushed to the scene.

He desperately tried to resuscitate Mr Prince – but he was later pronounced dead at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

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Paying tribute to his son, Mr Prince said: “You really couldn’t have wished for a better lad. Luke had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He was so popular and always laughing and joking. You never think you’ll have to put your son to rest before yourself.”

Officers from Derbyshire police told the inquest that Mr Prince was “very cooperative” during questioning and they had no reason to believe he would harm himself upon being released from the station.

Police investigations after his death revealed Mr Prince had two email accounts and a mobile phone with 115 indecent images of children mostly of the lowest category of seriousness.

Detective Constable Simon English, from Derbyshire police, said he did not know if charges would have been brought in the case.

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He added: “I would have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service and they would have made a decision about what happened next.”

Summing up the inquest, coroner Sophie Cartwright said: “I’m satisfied that after his father left the house that day, Mr Prince had arrived at a plan to take his own life, sadly linked to his arrest.”

Speaking directly to Mr Prince, she added: “It’s a tragic loss and I’m very sorry your son took that impulsive decision to take his own life.”

n The Samaritans offer confidential support for anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Call 08457 909090.

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