Man took his own life after hearing how David Fuller abused dead mother's body, inquest hears
A 20-year-old man took his own life a year after learning that his mother’s body was among those abused by hospital worker David Fuller.
Jay Carr, from Snodland in Kent, was described as a “loving and caring soul”. A keen footballer and owner of a car valeting business, he had struggled for many years with his mental health.
His death was recorded as suicide, with assistant coroner James Dillon telling his inquest at County Hall, Maidstone, that he could find “no words to describe these matters beyond horrific”.
Jay’s sister Ashleigh Carr was among dozens of victims’ relatives informed in October 2021 about Fuller’s abuse of their loved ones in Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Lawyers for the Carr family argued at the inquest that Ashleigh and her step-father felt police family liaison officers put pressure on them to tell other relatives, despite their concerns about how Jay would react to the news.
The inquest heard Jay's mental health “spiralled” after being told that his mother, Jordana Carr, was among Fuller’s victims. She died in 2015, when Jay was aged 13.
Ben Davey, from Dean Wilson Solicitors which represented the family, said: “Officers put some pressure on them to notify the whole entire family.
"Jay had a known history of mental health problems. He later took his own life as a consequence of what he learned that day.
"The family feel the information could have been delivered in a more sympathetic way and that there should have been more consideration of whether it was necessary for Jay and his younger brother to learn about what happened to their mother.”
Double murderer David Fuller, 68, carried out a litany of abuse to 101 dead bodies of women and girls in Kent hospitals between 2005 and 2020 while he was a maintenance worker.
Ashleigh Carr, Jay's sister, speaking following the inquest.
Ms Carr said: "We felt pressure from the police that notified us that we should tell us and my other siblings, despite telling the officers our concerns for Jay's vulnerability.
"If anything could come from this we hope that the police, in reflection, will look at the way they notify families on tragic matters in the future."
Officers who gave evidence today disputed the family's version of events, insisting that it was ultimately Ashleigh and her stepdad's decision to tell the other relatives.
In a statement, Asst Ch Con Tracey Harman said: "David Fuller carried out unspeakable crimes which have caused immeasurable distress to countless families.
"Kent Police deployed specialist family liaison officers, with assistance from other police forces to ensure the loved ones of all identified victims were spoken to at the earliest opportunity.
"Dedicated family welfare service continues to offer support to all those that have been impacted."
"We have never underestimated the devastating impact that these offences will have had on every person affected, and the dedicated family welfare service continues to offer support to all those that have been impacted."
Lawyers for Jay Carr's family argued that lessons must be learned so that in the future such horrific messages are delivered in a more sympathetic way.
An NHS compensation scheme for the affected victims’ families is due to close to new applicants on 30 June.
If you have been affected by any issues raised in our programmes, support is available.
Whether you are concerned about yourself, or someone you know, there is always help available.
Here are some of the places you can turn to, from national charities to smaller organisations in your local area:
Suicide and emotional distress
CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat. It also supports those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP). Call 0800 585858 (daily, 5pm to midnight).
Mind is a mental health charity which promotes the views and needs of people with mental health issues. It provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour. It provides practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice over telephone, text and email service which is staffed by trained professionals. Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone 116 123 (a free 24 hour helpline) or email jo@samaritans.org
YoungMinds is a resource with information on child and adolescent mental health, but also offers services for parents and professionals. It is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health, and wants to make sure all young people can get the mental health support they need when they need it. Visit youngminds.org.uk
Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help. Text SHOUT to 85258.
SOS Silence of Suicide provides a listening service for children and adults who need emotional support, understanding, compassion & kindness. Phone 0300 102 0505
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