He had written a letter addressed to his mum before he died
Paul Hepplestall, 45, who died in Spain while wanted in connection with drug supply offences
A Liverpool dad was found dead in Spain. Paul Hepplestall, from Dingle, was found dead in his Spanish prison cell, aged 45.
An inquest into his death on Thursday (September 25) heard how Paul was found dead while awaiting trial in Alicante. Following his death on February 28, 2023 his mum Sheila Hepplestall had received a note addressed to her saying he could no longer continue with life in prison. The note came from another inmate and not from officials, however it was later confirmed to be in Paul’s handwriting.
The ECHO previously reported in May 2023 how a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Paul, who had no occupation, after he failed to answer a postal requisition charging him with possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property, namely £13,125 and €50 in cash.
On April 24, 2023, the warrant for his arrest was formally withdrawn at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court as, according to a register of the hearing, “defendant is now deceased”.
Paul (Eppo) Hepplestall(Image: funeral-notices.co.uk/)
The charges related to an incident on April 14, 2020 and were part of Operation Hammer, Merseyside Police’s long-term ongoing operation to tackle drug dealing related offending.
A post mortem was carried out in Spain and the cause of death was ruled hypoxic anoxia caused by hanging.
Despite asking the Spanish authorities Coroner Anita Bhardwaj confirmed today that no further evidence was provided to the Coroners Court.
Mrs Bhardwaj said the note left by Paul suggested that he was going to self harm and she accepted the cause of death however gave a narrative conclusion.
She said Paul “self-ligatured” however due to the circumstances of his death being unclear she couldn’t rule suicide.
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text SHOUT to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
- The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
- James’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
In a funeral notice posted in the ECHO his family said: “He was beloved son of Sheila and Sheila’s partner Les, (who Paul described as his ‘mate’).
“A loving dad to Flyn, Ethan and Mason and much loved brother of Jason and Jeff. Dear nephew of Mary, Joe and Trish and a special uncle, cousin and a friend to many. ‘You’ll never walk alone Son’.”
Mr Hepplestall was laid to rest on April 21 at Our Lady Mount Carmel Church in Dingle. His family asked for donations to the mental health charity MIND in lieu of flowers.