Will Young ‘astounded’ his brother was allowed to leave hospital after suicide attempts

Will Young has said he is "astounded" that his twin brother was allowed to leave hospital just two days after he attempted to take his own life.

The singer said he believes his brother Rupert should have been examined by a psychiatrist and detained under the Mental Health Act "for his own good".

Rupert Young, 41, died last year after jumping off a bridge in London. A coroner on Monday ruled that he died by suicide.

Speaking after the inquest had concluded, Pop Idol winner Will Young said it had been a difficult time for himself and his family.

"Those working within the NHS do an amazing job under very difficult circumstances," he said.

"And it's never been more hard-pressed than at the moment, of course.

"However, my brother is someone who had, in the months and weeks before his death, been into hospital on countless times following suicide attempts."

Rupert died just two days after he was admitted to St Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital on 28 July, when he had been seen walking along the edge of a bridge in the capital.

St Pancras Coroner's Court in north London was told he had been admitted to hospital four times in the week prior to his death, as he struggled with alcoholism.

He was trying to avoid homelessness and told hospital staff he had been attempting to contact his father for a place to stay, before discharging himself, the inquest heard.

Young said he was "astounded" that his brother had been allowed to leave hospital two days after his suicide attempt without being referred to a consultant psychiatrist.

"It is my belief that it must, or should have, been obvious to all concerned that he was at high risk of suicide and should have been detained under the Mental Health Act for his own safety," he said.

"Had this been done, he might still be alive today.

"I know we are not the only family in this situation and I pray that lessons are learned from this situation and that some of these deaths are prevented in the future."

• If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

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