A former pub landlady tragically took her own life due to the ‘coercive and controlling behaviour’ she experienced, according to a coroner. Jill Parton, 46, suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by a freight train at Heaton Chapel, Stockport, in the early hours of June 3 this year.
The inquest heard that Ms Parton had been in a relationship characterised by ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’. Prior to her death, the relationship had ended and Ms Parton was reportedly ‘scared to leave the house’, the coroner stated.
The inquest, held at Stockport Coroners Court, heard that Ms Parton had endured several ‘difficult relationships’ throughout her life. Her daughter, Amber Parton, told the inquest that her mother ‘fell for the wrong people all the time’. She was beautiful. All she wanted was to be loved. She would do anything for anyone. She was just a good person.”
Amber revealed that in the weeks leading up to her death, her mother was suffering from panic attacks due to threats made against them both. She said: “She was petrified someone would do something to me or her.”, reports Manchester Evening News.
As a result of these threats, Amber disclosed that her mother expressed not wanting to live anymore, but she didn’t worry about her self-harming because: “She said she wouldn’t leave me.”
The inquest into the death of Ms Parton, from Heaton Chapel, revealed she had a history of anxiety and depression. In the months leading up to her tragic end, she was prescribed anti-depressants and referred to mental health services after confessing to her GP about ‘thoughts of self-harm’.
Stuart Sumnall, an ex-partner, shared with the court that he and Ms Parton had decided to part ways but had spent the afternoon together at Stockport Pride. He recounted how they had an argument later that day which led to her crying and exiting his car.
Mr Sumnall, who admitted to having ‘trust issues’, returned home and received several messages and calls from Ms Parton. During one video call, he noticed overhead power lines and realised she was on the railway line.
The court also heard about a poignant final Facebook post made by Ms Parton at 2.14am on the morning of her death, which read: “I just wanted to say thank you and much love to all my friends and family who have been there for me throughout the most difficult times of my life.”
Toxicology results revealed the presence of alcohol in her system and evidence of cocaine use prior to her passing. Assistant coroner Anna Morris characterised Ms Parton as a complex and vulnerable individual who had faced periods of mental health struggles.
She noted that Ms Parton had been in a relationship marked by controlling and coercive behaviour, which had ultimately ended, leaving her fearful of leaving her home. The coroner concluded that Ms Parton’s death was a result of suicide, set against a backdrop of coercive and controlling behaviour.
After the call ended, he immediately contacted the police. Shortly afterwards, Ms Parton called him again, but the phone went silent after he picked up.
Det Insp Chris Aunins informed the inquest that following Ms Parton’s death, police received reports of a ‘domestic assault’. A man, whose identity was not disclosed in court, was arrested and thoroughly investigated, but due to lack of evidence, he was released without charge.
