NSFT workers dismissed 'disturbing' images from patient

Government climate change advisor Christopher Sidle died while suffering a psychotic episode after falling from a moving taxi on the NDR near Norwich.

An inquest into his death resumed on Tuesday, during which it was heard Mr Sidle, of North Walsham, had started showing signs of psychosis in March 2023 - from which he had been free for almost nine years.

It heard the 51-year-old had previously been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in December 2011, which had been managed with medication, before having a second episode in 2014.

His sister, Katie Sidle, a consultant neurologist, told the court that during these periods her brother showed signs of pyromania - including hoarding matches and brandishing firewood.

In May 2023, Mr Sidle "bulk bought" candles and emailed his sister a series of  AI-generated images she believed to be of women on fire - which she described as "disturbing".

But the court heard these concerns were dismissed by mental health workers assessing if he required crisis care after his sister raised the alarm.

Mr Sidle attended an assessment with NSFT charge nurse Karen Smith on May 20, during which the images were discussed.

Giving live evidence, Ms Smith said she had discussed the images with Mr Sidle and that he said they were not of women on fire - which she agreed with.

She added: "I was happy he understood why his family were concerned about him buying candles.

"There was nothing in his presentation to indicate he was going through psychosis - he was extremely engaging and calm."

Dr Sidle had previously warned her brother was competent at masking his symptoms to strangers. 

Jonathan Buck, a senior mental health nurse who arranged the assessment also said he did not feel the images were disturbing.

Mr Sidle died in hospital on July 4, three days after the incident on the NDR, while he was in a taxi on the way to hospital.

The inquest continues.