Benjamin Pesian, 25, from Walsall, died after falling from the Cube Hotel on June 7
A man died after falling from The Cube on June 7
A man tragically fell to his death from The Cube amid a ‘psychotic episode’ in Birmingham city centre, an inquest was told today, Thursday, November 13.
Benjamin Pesian, aged 25 and from Walsall, had previously been sectioned, but his behaviour “escalated in the months before his death” on June 7, a barrister for his family said.
A pre-inquest hearing was told he received support from the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. But this had been downgraded to voluntary treatment.
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The pre-hearing, held at Jack Judge House in Oldbury, heard a full inquest would examine his medical history leading up to the tragedy and his medical cause of death.
Emergency services had rushed to The Cube on June 7
Manon Rowlands, representing the family, said his loved ones were looking for answers over the care he received and the prescription of his medication.
She said Benjamin, who had bipolar disorder, had died “amid a psychotic episode”.
“His behaviour escalated in the months before the death,” Ms Rowlands said. “He was plainly suffering a medical episode at the time of his suicide.”
The barrister questioned “if the state did all it could do to protect Benjamin” and if his discharge was a “systemic failure of care”.
Evidence over appropriate steps and preventative operation measures could be heard at the full inquest next year. This also includes if there was a “credible breach of substantive duty” and if there was a real risk to life due to Benjamin’s vulnerability.
His parents are due to provide a pen portrait by way of a tribute and background to his life. Trust witnesses will include a doctor, nursing staff, ward manager, a senior clinical nurse and a discharge coordinator.
The Cube manager may be required to provide an overview of what happened. Although she was on duty that day, she did not witness the tragic event, the hearing was told.
Emergency services outside The Cube in Birmingham
Senior Black Country Coroner Zafar Siddique said it might be helpful for the court if the manager “gives a layout of the premises and how it’s accessed by members of the public.”
Chris Hopkins, representing The Cube Hotel Birmingham, said there was CCTV footage from inside looking out. Further witness statements will come from Benjamin’s GP and a pathologist.
Ms Rowlands also said the family was keen for Benjamin’s earlier time in police custody to form part of the inquest. Mr Siddique said he would write to the police force in question to see if the information might be relevant to this inquiry.
Mr Siddique will wait to receive all disclosure from interested parties in January before deciding what will be admitted as evidence and if he will call witnesses in person or by way of a statement to be read out in court.
Addressing Benjamin’s family who had attended court, Mr Siddique said: “I offer my condolences for your loss. It is a tragic set of circumstances.” A three-day inquest has been set aside between February 4 and 6, 2026.