Liverpool dad found dead in Spain
He had written a letter addressed to his mum before he died
A Liverpool dad was found dead in Spain. Paul Hepplestall, from Dingle, was found dead in his Spanish prison cell, aged 45.
An inquest into his death on Thursday (September 25) heard how Paul was found dead while awaiting trial in Alicante. Following his death on February 28, 2023 his mum Sheila Hepplestall had received a note addressed to her saying he could no longer continue with life in prison. The note came from another inmate and not from officials, however it was later confirmed to be in Paul’s handwriting.
The ECHO previously reported in May 2023 how a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Paul, who had no occupation, after he failed to answer a postal requisition charging him with possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property, namely £13,125 and €50 in cash.
On April 24, 2023, the warrant for his arrest was formally withdrawn at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court as, according to a register of the hearing, “defendant is now deceased”.
The charges related to an incident on April 14, 2020 and were part of Operation Hammer, Merseyside Police’s long-term ongoing operation to tackle drug dealing related offending.
A post mortem was carried out in Spain and the cause of death was ruled hypoxic anoxia caused by hanging.
Despite asking the Spanish authorities Coroner Anita Bhardwaj confirmed today that no further evidence was provided to the Coroners Court.
Mrs Bhardwaj said the note left by Paul suggested that he was going to self harm and she accepted the cause of death however gave a narrative conclusion.
She said Paul “self-ligatured” however due to the circumstances of his death being unclear she couldn’t rule suicide.
n a funeral notice posted in the ECHO his family said: “He was beloved son of Sheila and Sheila’s partner Les, (who Paul described as his ‘mate’).
“A loving dad to Flyn, Ethan and Mason and much loved brother of Jason and Jeff. Dear nephew of Mary, Joe and Trish and a special uncle, cousin and a friend to many. ‘You’ll never walk alone Son’.”
Mr Hepplestall was laid to rest on April 21 at Our Lady Mount Carmel Church in Dingle. His family asked for donations to the mental health charity MIND in lieu of flowers.
Previous conviction is here
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