Stephen Page

I am Mr. Ian Potter, Area Coroner for Kent and Medway.

On 19 August 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Stephen Paul PAGE, aged 70 years at the time of his death. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest heard  by me on 17 December 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was: Suicide The medical cause of death was: 1a   Ascending Aortic Wall Dissection With Haemothorax And Neck Fracture

On the morning of 17 August 2025, Stephen Page drove alone to the multi-storey car park of Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham. [REDACTED]. Despite efforts to treat Mr Page, a paramedic verified the fact of his death on scene at 10:42 on 17 August 2025. Mr Page died as a result of the traumatic injuries he  sustained. He had intended his actions to bring about his death.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed a matter giving rise to concern. In my  opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTER OF CONCERN is as follows. – (1) Written evidence from a senior member of staff at MAPP (who provide security  management at Hempstead Valley) set out that there is an electronic sensor system in place [REDACTED].The evidence was that, “When the sensor beam is broken, the corresponding CCTV camera automatically moves to the activation point and  displays a visual alert marked ‘Alarm’. The camera remains focused on the area to allow for  monitoring if an operator is present.” The investigating officer from Kent Police, said in their statement, “This ‘alarm’ is visual only  and displays for a few seconds. Due to the number of screens, this could have been easily  missed by the CCTV operator.” For the avoidance of doubt, the evidence suggested that the alarm system was working and  operational on 17 August 2025. Further, there was no evidence of a delayed response in this  particular instance. However, it is not difficult to envisage (particularly given that there is no  audible alarm) a situation in which a triggering of the ‘alarm’ could be missed and an  opportunity for staff to intervene being lost.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the  power to take such action.