A former professional footballer was treated "like an out-of-control animal that could only be managed by pumping him full of drugs" at a mental health facility, an inquiry into more than 2,000 deaths heard. Melanie Leahy told the Lampard Inquiry that her partner Colin Flatt was "subjected to the most appalling neglect and abuse imaginable" before his death in 2021.
The 81-year-old died within three months of being discharged from a mental health unit. Ms Leahy had campaigned for years to establish this inquiry after her 20-year-old son Matthew died in 2012 while a patient at a mental health facility.
Personal tragedy becomes systemic investigation
Ms Leahy said Mr Flatt had "helped raise Matthew and later stood beside me in the long fight for truth after Matthew's death". She told the inquiry: "Neither of us could imagine that years later Colin himself would become part of the very story this inquiry is now examining."
The Lampard Inquiry, chaired by Baroness Kate Lampard, is examining deaths at NHS-run inpatient mental health units in Essex between 2000 and 2023. It includes those who died within three months of discharge and patients who died receiving NHS-funded care in independent facilities.
From footballer to businessman to patient
Mr Flatt had been a "professional footballer in his early years and subsequently a very successful businessman", Ms Leahy said. The couple were "leading a full and happy life" and "looking forward to what would have been for him his golden years" with plans to travel the world together.
He initially sought treatment for "very minor and easily treatable health issues, earache and fatigue against a background of occasional and mild confusion" at Broomfield Hospital near Chelmsford in May 2021. But he was then admitted to Goodmayes Hospital, a mental health facility run by North East London NHS Foundation Trust.
Allegations of excessive sedation
Ms Leahy said staff chose to "chemically sedate" Mr Flatt rather than provide appropriate care. She told the inquiry: "The drugs they were giving Colin were turning a mild and gentle man into a monster but nothing I said made any difference."
She described how staff were "determined to treat Colin like an out-of-control animal that could only be managed by pumping him full of drugs". Ms Leahy explained her partner was "fighting to get out of the ward" because "he wants to come home" but faced locked doors and restricted access.
Ignored safeguarding concerns
After Mr Flatt's transfer to Basildon Hospital, Ms Leahy "repeatedly raised safeguarding concerns with social services, police, various staff at the trust including the CEO". When asked what action was taken, she replied: "Nothing, everyone ignored me."
Mr Flatt died in September 2021 after being discharged from services. His inquest is scheduled for August 2026.
Connected cases reveal systemic failures
Ms Leahy said the cases of Matthew Leahy and Colin Flatt "are deeply connected" and "reveal systemic failings across physical health, mental health, safeguarding and accountability". She will present evidence about her son's case to the inquiry next year.
The inquiry heard that Ms Leahy's campaigning around her son's death may have "negatively affected the care that was taken of Colin" due to his association with her. The inquiry continues.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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