Alice Dearden

I am Nicholas Rheinberg assistant coroner, for the coroner area of Wiltshire and Swindon

On 12 th March 2020 an inquest was opened into into the death of Alice, Sarah, Dearden  (Alice) aged 19. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 28 th April 2026. The conclusion of the inquest was that Alice died by suicide  [REDACTED].

Alice suffered from mental health difficulties as a result of anorexia nervosa and  emotionally unstable personality disorder. Her conditions resulted in acts of self-harm  which included overdoses. Initially Alice’s overdoses involved over the counter medication such as paracetamol but during 2019 she began to buy prescription medication on line. Alice’s internet search history included visiting sites which promoted suicide. [REDACTED]. On 11 th February 2020 Alice bought [REDACTED] from your company and having consumed a quantity of the substance died at her home in Wiltshire on 28 th February 2020.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the  circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTER OF CONCERN is as follows. Evidence received at the above inquest included reference to your former company’s website which was seen to still exist. The website includes the detail shown in italics  below: PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT sell the concentrated food preservative used in meat curing under any circumstances. We immediately (same day)  stopped selling this back in April 2020 when we discovered it’s misuse and the [REDACTED] name being used – with neither our knowledge nor permission – on a number of dreadful suicide forums . We subsequently then worked with and assisted the Home Office Protect team in helping identify many of the other sellers still on eBay, Etsy and Amazon etc. in  requesting  that they remove their  similar  listings because of this misuse. 2025 Update : Thankfully, It is now much more difficult for a member of the public to  source this substance. However sadly,  and despite the work of the NYT and the BBC in exposing it, the websites are still operating and thriving, currently using a .net domain. It has stated that it will not be complying with the new 2025 UK Online Safety law. If you are suffering with your mental health and considering suicide, please do contact  the Samaritans 24/7  or call 116 123 if in UK. Worldwide list of suicide help charities is HERE (Wikipedia) There is mention in the above posting, albeit obliquely, to a method of self-destruction,  reference to suicide websites and a link to a website encouraging suicide. Concern was expressed at the inquest that were the words in italics not removed individuals of a  disturbed disposition, inclined towards deliberate self-harm, might be assisted in their  endeavours harm themselves.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action.