Inquest: Portsmouth couple died after man suffered mental health crisis in Pandemic
The bodies of Christopher Stone-Houghton and Ruth Stone-Houghton, 60, were found at their home in Holcot Lane, Portsmouth in September 2022
A 66-year-old Portsmouth man suffered a "rapid deterioration" in his mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic before he was found dead from hanging and his wife was discovered with a fatal head injury, a preliminary inquest hearing has been told.
The bodies of Christopher Stone-Houghton and Ruth Stone-Houghton, 60, were found at their home in Holcot Lane on September 14 2022.
Coroner Rachel Spearing KC told a pre-inquest review hearing in Winchester that post-mortem examinations found that Mr Stone-Houghton died as a result of suspension, and the cause of death for Mrs Stone-Houghton was a head injury.
She said there had been multi-agency homicide and suicide reviews into the deaths.
Ms Spearing said: "Chris Stone-Houghton had sadly suffered with deterioration of his mental health.
"Those first signs emerged from the Christmas period of 2021 but active steps were taken around April 2022 by family members when Chris was referred and sought assistance for his deteriorating condition and the impact of Covid and anxieties and challenges that had arisen during that period was obviously part of that."
Ms Spearing said that Mr Stone-Houghton was assessed and had both inpatient and community care, and he was last seen two days before his death.
She said: "Chris was sadly suffering from depression and suicidal ideation. There was sadly a rapid and critical deterioration in Chris's mental health.
"Family and friends had continued to express concerns relating to the provision of care."
Ms Spearing added: "Chris sadly didn't have insight into his condition, he had been suffering from paranoia and there was concern to Chris's compliance with medication."
She continued: "I do not believe there is any evidence of domestic abuse in this case."
The hearing was told that Mr Stone-Houghton had a firearms licence and this would be examined as part of the inquest, although no weapon was used in connection with either death.
Ms Spearing adjourned the inquests for full hearings to be held starting December 8.
In a statement released through Hampshire Constabulary following the deaths, their family said: "Not only were Chris and Ruth amazing parents to their two children, anyone who knew Chris and Ruth will know how hard they worked in so many parts of their lives and they were both known for their positivity and loveable sense of humour."