Watchdog criticises Norfolk Police’s handling before man’s death

Hobie had schizophrenia and developmental trauma and was under the care of the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust Community Mental Health Team. His parents said he had a history of drug use.

The couple adopted Hobie as a child and said he had been in “good spirits” the last time they saw him before his death.

In August 2025, the family said they became concerned he had not spoken to them for more than 24 hours as he usually contacted them “several times a day”.

“The non-contact was just… it didn’t happen. So, it was very, very unusual,” said Roberta.

The couple went to Hobie’s flat but could not use their key to get inside because his key was still in the lock on the inside of the door.

“We were 100% certain he was in there and he wasn’t responding, so we knew there was something seriously wrong,” said Mark.

Unable to break in, they called Norfolk Police and told call handlers that their son had a history of self-harm and suicidal threats.

After consulting a supervisor, the staff member told them the situation did not meet the threshold for a police response and suggested they consider contacting a locksmith.

“We didn’t know how to make a decision at that point or what to do quite frankly,” said Roberta.

The following morning, after a second call to police, officers attended the flat and found Hobie’s body.

“If the police are no longer going to come, then it has to be very clear who’s got the responsibility,” Roberta added.