The inquest into the death of Victoria Baker concluded yesterday [21/5/26] at Norwich Coroner’s Court.

Sefton, Victoria’s husband has said:

This is a very sad day for us, Victoria’s family. Until April 2024, Victoria had a very successful career and was a loving and devoted mother and wife. Around that time, she suddenly developed a disabling mental conditional for which she required care from her family and the community mental health team. The support that she received in the community was exemplary but they could not do everything that was required to keep Victoria safe so she was referred for inpatient care. There, she initially received the help that was required to keep her safe but in the end that proved not to be enough. We would like to thank everyone who cared for Victoria for their help and support and can now realise how difficult and demanding their work can be. Victoria leaves behind her husband and two children who will always deeply miss having Victoria in their lives.

Victoria was a property designer and developer. Her family described her as “a well-loved and loving mother and wife, and we all miss her dearly.” She “filled the world with joy, creativity and an excitement for life. She was always ready to explore new places or projects but she was also happy just to be at home with her new family.”

The Inquest, held in front of a jury and HM Area Coroner Yvonne Blake, began on Monday 18th May and found that:

Victoria was being treated as an inpatient under the Mental Health Act at Hellesdon Hospital, near Norwich, in October and November 2024, under the care of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

The jury heard how Victoria had previously been under the care of the hospital in August 2024 following a diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder. She was later discharged and placed under the care of the community team.

In October 2024, Victoria was detained again under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act and was transferred to the Waveney Ward.

On the 7th November 2024, Victoria’s Section 2 detention expired. At a multi-disciplinary meeting, it was decided that Victoria would be kept in as an informal patient as opposed to being detained again under the Mental Health Act. There were also discussions about discharging her from hospital.

Victoria’s husband expressed his concerns as to the risks of her returning home with their young children present.

On 10th November 2024, Victoria was sadly found having ligatured in her room on the ward. Victoria was taken to Norwich and Norfolk hospital, where she died on 17 November 2024.

The Jury concluded in a lengthy narrative that Victoria died after being found by another patient unresponsive in her room at Hellesdon Hospital on 10 November 2024, having ligatured herself to a door. Despite attempts to resuscitate her and subsequent hospital treatment, she died a week later on 17 November.

Victoria had a short history of mental health difficulties and had previously made threats to end her life.

She had originally been admitted under the Mental Health Act in October, but her Section 2 detention was discharged three days before the incident, after which she remained in hospital as a voluntary patient. It was also noted that items previously identified as presenting a risk remained accessible at the time of the incident, and that she had been under observation in the days leading up to her death.

The jury concluded that it was not possible to determine whether she intended to take her own life.

Victoria’s family were represented at the inquest by Alice Wood of Farleys Solicitors and Gareth Thompson of St John’s Buildings.