Man became depressed after being falsely accused of rape, inquest told

A young rugby player falsely accused of rape took his own life.

Luke King died on May 23 after he had been receiving treatment for depression and drugs, an inquest heard.
The 23-year-old, who had “dark moments’’, was discovered by his sister, Maegan King.
Ms King, of Lincoln Road, Whitehaven, told the inquest that her brother had become a changed character after he was falsely accused of rape four years ago. He was initially detained, without charge, and released after two days.
The coroner, Dr Nicholas Shaw, heard that Mr King, who worked as a postman, then began binge drinking “to block things out” but would also keep fit by playing rugby.
In February, Mr King, who was taking a legal high and cocaine, sought help from his GP and Unity, a drug and alcohol recovery service.
The inquest heard he subsequently ran the Manchester Marathon in April, as well as climbing Scafell Pike with his friends.
Mr King, who played for Kells, had been “okay’’ in his final week and his death had been “sudden”.
A post mortem revealed the cause of death was hanging.
It was also discovered he had “high levels’’ of ethylphenidate (an amphetamine-like substance) in his system.
In conclusion, Dr Shaw, assistant coroner for North and West Cumbria, said Mr King’s death was suicide precipitated by substance abuse, and was not “premeditated’’.
“He had no control over himself at that time,’’ Dr Shaw explained.
“It was a sudden, impulsive act. He wasn’t thinking straight.’’
Mr King, he said, had been “normal’’ before the false accusation but had been “severely changed and was clearly anxious and paranoid. The drugs may have worsened his fears”.
Summing up, Dr Shaw added: “This was a young life wasted. It is very sad.’’

First published at 12:14, Saturday, 25 October 2014
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

 http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/man-became-depressed-after-being-falsely-accused-of-rape-inquest-told-1.1170628#