Inquest: Barnoldswick sportsman who fell from Nelson car park had depression

Ian Nutter (65), well-known for his involvement with Barnoldswick’s cricket and football teams, was seen falling from the top of the Netherfield Road car park at 5-35 p.m. on January 14th.

Carol, his wife of 25 years, said he had been diagnosed with depression four years ago and was on medication. She said he was a “very quiet man who kept himself to himself” and did not speak about his worries, or the fact he was involved in a “police investigation”.

She said: “I have looked back to see if there were any tell-tale signs but there were none. He would get upset and cry a lot, but he had always been like that.”

Mr Nutter left home at Dales View Park, Barnoldswick, around 12-30 p.m., saying he was taking the bus as he wanted to have a walk. Mrs Nutter thought he was going to Nelson or Colne as he knew the walking areas.

Witness Martin Webster was driving to Nelson railway station and turning at the mini-roundabout near the car park when he saw someone fall, clipping the car in front. He tried to stop traffic and alerted a police officer while his partner, a nurse, tried to help Mr Nutter.

A note addressed to his family was found in Mr Nutter’s rucksack and referred to his depression.

Pathologist Dr Walid Salman told the court Mr Nutter had drunk the equivalent of six pints of beer and the cause of death was multiple injuries.

Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict Mr Nutter took his own life, saying: “It appears from the letter he was determined to end his life. He was dealing badly with the pressures of the last years and was extremely depressed when he died.”

PLANS to install safety fencing on the perimeter of all three levels of the multi-storey car park in Nelson have moved a step closer after an application was submitted to Pendle Council.

There have long been calls for extra safety measures at the car park where there have been several suicides.

Eight people have died after falling from the Netherfield Road car stack in the last 10 years.

Fencing was first considered in October, 2009, when £40,000 was earmarked for a scheme by Pendle Council’s Executive, on top of money already committed by the council’s Nelson Committee.

But progress ground to a halt when the then owner of the car park and adjoining shopping centre went into administration.

Coun. Eileen Ansar, who has campaigned on the issue for years, said: “We think it is great that it is now going ahead again as this has been going on for so long. Anything that can save a life is vital.”

The plans are set to be discussed by the Nelson Committee in June.