Carl Sargeant inquest: former Welsh minister killed himself, inquest concludes

Carl Sargeant's death was ruled a suicide
PA
Jacob Jarvis11 July 2019

Former Welsh minister Carl Sargeant killed himself, four days after being sacked over sexual harassment claims, an inquest has concluded.

Mr Sargeant was removed from his post as cabinet secretary for communities and children, by then First Minister Carwyn Jones, following "bombshell" allegations he groped and touched women.

The Alyn and Deeside AM, 49, was found hanged at his home in Connah's Quay on November 7, 2017.

Senior coroner for North Wales John Gittins said the death raised concerns over care given to politicians who were fired from posts in the Welsh government.

A statement from his family also said they hope “no political family will go through what we have been through”.

Former Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones
PA

At the conclusion of his inquest at Ruthin County Hall on Thursday, senior coroner for North Wales (East and Central) John Gittins said: "I'm concerned that not enough has been done by the Welsh Government to ensure that in the future, regardless of who is first minister, consideration is given to providing clear channels of support and help to persons who lose their positions from office and whose removals will attract significant media interest and intrusion into their private lives."

As he began delivering his conclusions, Mr Gittins told the court: "The twists and turns of the journey, at times along the murkiest paths, into the world of politics has been a challenge.

"Anyone hoping for a glowing vindication of Carl Sargeant or a damning vilification of Carwyn Jones, or indeed vice versa, will be sorely disappointed."

Carl Sargeant's family said he was shocked by allegations made against him (Family handout/PA Wire)
Family handout/PA

He also referred to evidence given by Mr Jones about pastoral care, which was contradicted by Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones.

Mr Gittins said: "I accept he had erred in his original evidence to me and that he properly and appropriately corrected his error, albeit only once the true picture came to light by virtue of the information provided by Ann Jones."

He said no official arrangements were put in place to provide support to Mr Sargeant after he lost his post – despite the probability Mr Jones knew he was vulnerable in relation to his mental health having previously been diagnosed with depression.

The inquest had heard five days of evidence in November last year, but was adjourned until this week to give lawyers for Mr Jones time to make a legal appeal and after new evidence which may have contradicted the former first minister came to light.

When he was recalled to give evidence on Monday, Mr Jones was accused of being "caught out in a lie" by Leslie Thomas QC, representing Mr Sargeant's wife Bernie and son Jack, over evidence he had given about the support offered in the wake of his dismissal.

Giving evidence on Tuesday, Mrs Sargeant said her husband had been "shell-shocked" by the allegations and she had believed him "100 per cent” when he denied them.

Cathryn McGahey QC, representing Mr Jones, made several applications to have evidence about the misconduct allegations against Mr Sargeant included in the inquest but all were refused by Mr Gittins.

A statement from Bernie, Lucy and Jack Sargeant said: "There is no stigma to suicide and if Dad's case highlights anything, it is that you can never truly know what is going on in someone's mind.

"Having access to the right support is essential. We would encourage anyone worried about someone to reach out.

"As we have heard on the witness stand, ministers are not employees and therefore, were not afforded any employment rights and had limited access to support.

"While they might not be employees, they are human beings, with their own fears and frailties."

A spokesperson for First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "I extend my deepest condolences to the Sargeant family.

"I know they continue to grieve for Carl.

"The coroner has made a regulation 28 report to the Welsh Government in relation to the prevention of future deaths and we will consider this carefully and respond in full."

​For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, or visit a local Samaritans branch. See samaritans.org

Additional reporting by PA.

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