An inpatient who was receiving treatment at a mental health hospital died the day before he was due to be discharged.

Ralph Köster, 34, was a resident at the Priory Hospital in Attleborough last year during June and July. 

Speaking at a review hearing into his death at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, area coroner Samantha Goward said: “Mr Köster had been residing at the Priory Hospital for the last four weeks. 

“He was due to be discharged on July 12.  

“Sadly, on July 11, he’d been found by a member of the public hanging from a tree near a public footpath. 

“Police and ambulance attended but Mr Köster was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.”  

An inquest to determine the official cause of death was due to be heard this month at the court in Norwich, but it will now take place on March 12. 

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