Man Who Died on Bibby Stockholm Told He Was Going to Swindon Hotel, Inquest Hears
PORTLAND, England – A man who died while housed on the Bibby Stockholm barge was told he would be transferred to a hotel in swindon instead, a court hearing revealed today. The revelation emerged during an inquest into the death of Sudan-born man, Farruku, who died on December 8, 2023.
Torbay Community Trust worker, witnessed Farruku exhibiting volatile behavior, describing him as having “either fine or very angry” moods, and recalling an incident where he overturned a table in a hotel lobby. Rangasamy, also of the Trust, stated Farruku was “distraught” about the prospect of being moved to the barge, saying, “he was just angry and sad.”
On November 3, 2023, the day of the planned transfer, Rangasamy received word Farruku had “point blank” refused to board. Upon arriving at the hotel,he found Farruku leaving in a car and was informed by staff that he was no longer scheduled for the barge,but for accommodation in Swindon – a claim later proven false. “They tricked him,” Rangasamy told the inquest. He further stated that residents later transferred to the Bibby Stockholm expressed concerns following Farruku’s behavior.
Tim Rymer, then Home Office’s deputy director for adult and family accommodation, confirmed the bibby Stockholm represented the first time the department had utilized a barge in a port setting.
The inquest has also heard testimony regarding an urgent email sent by Nia Dowd, Clearsprings safeguarding team leader, on November 3, raising concerns about Farruku’s mental health. Dowd stated Home Office officials did not respond to the email. Rymer acknowledged the email’s receipt but conceded,”Perhaps” it should have been followed up. He stated that no action was taken and that caseworkers lacked complete details on Farruku’s case, adding that a single concern wouldn’t necessarily prevent a transfer to the barge.
Rymer maintained, “The barge was not a place that was not suitable to accommodate someone with mental health conditions.”
The inquest continues.
In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. You can contact the mental health charity Mind by calling 0300 123 3393 or visiting mind.org.uk
