Rickmansworth man who fell to death did not intend to kill himself (From Watford Observer)

Rickmansworth man who fell to death in TfL building did not intend to kill himself

4:18pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in News By Court Reporter

A Rickmansworth man who climbed over a balcony before plunging to his death, did not intend to kill himself, an inquest heard today.

Jack Shemtob, 53, fell five floors on to the staff canteen roof of the Transport for London headquarters in Greenwich, on November 4.

Paramedics arrived and battled to save Mr Shemtob, before pronouncing him dead at 1.40pm.

Today, coroner Sarah Ormond-Walsh said she could not be sure he intended to kill himself because of a history of depression, psychotic episodes and suspected personality disorder.

For months the financial project manager had faced the threat of losing his job as part of cost-cutting.

Mr Shemtob was detained under the Mental Health Act in January 2011 for treatment at Watford General Hospital.

On February 16 he stopped breathing after swallowing a deodorant can lid and spent several days in intensive care.

He was put on medication to treat depression and psychotic impulses but his brother Sam said this behaviour was exacerbated by news he was due to be made redundant at work.

He added: "He had been through the wars for a very long time, certainly in the last few months, and he didn't feel like he was getting better."

Southwark Coroner's Court heard he had asked at least two people how to kill himself and had made attempts to harm himself.

Mr Shemtob was being monitored at work after being spotted pacing around the sixth floor and staring over the balcony.

Coroner Ormond-Walsh said: "The evidence from everybody is Mr Shemtob wouldn't have had the intention to die when he did what he did.

"He was a severely anxious man, and was considerably worked up proceeding his death."

Ms Ormond-Walsh recorded a narrative verdict of death by jumping from height while suffering mental health symptoms.