Couple who plotted their deaths by email on an internet suicide forum

A WEST YORKSHIRE man planned his death by email in just a few hours on an online suicide forum, his inquest heard today.

Stephen Lumb, 35, from Sowerby Bridge, and Joanne Lee, 34, from Great Notley, near Braintree, Essex, were found dead in a parked car in September last year.

Detective Inspector Richard Thomas, from Essex Police, told an inquest at Essex County Hall in Chelmsford today that the emails followed a posting by Miss Lee on a website.

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The pair discussed in detail where they would meet and how they would take their own lives.

A post-mortem examination showed they died of poisoning.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Caroline Beasley-Murray, Coroner for Essex and Thurrock, said the deaths were “premeditated” and the pair were both “willing participants”.

She described websites like the one used in this case as a “worrying trend”.

Mrs Beasley-Murray said the deaths “occurred in the most tragic of circumstances” and both families had been left devastated.

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She added: “In many ways the internet is a force for good but the existence of websites such as those connected to these deaths can be just the opposite and it is a very worrying trend.

“Clearly these two young people were much loved and I hope the families will be able to dwell on happy and positive memories.”

Miss Lee’s sister, Nicola, and Mr Lumb’s father, Melvyn, attended the inquest but did not comment as they left the building.

Truck driver Mr Lumb drove 200 miles to Braintree to meet Miss Lee after making contact online. It is believed they met in person for the first time on the night of their deaths.

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Mr Lumb’s family said they were not aware of any mental health problems.

Miss Lee had a long history of depression, low self-esteem and anorexia.

The Samaritans said the case highlighted the dangers of internet forums which brought together vulnerable people who might not otherwise seriously consider suicide attempts.

Joanne Lee wrote on the forum on September 4: “I haven’t the strength to do this alone,”

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Within days of posting the message, it is believed she and Stephen Lumb had made contact.

Leaving behind devastated families after “delving into the darker side of the internet”, it is believed they were virtually strangers, meeting in person for the first time only hours before their deaths.

The case threw into the public eye the dangers of internet sites which connect suicidal people with one another.

Using their own language and codewords, site users provide encouragement and advice to vulnerable people, often individuals with a complex history of mental illness.

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Described as reclusive by neighbours, Miss Lee, 34, from nearby Great Notley, had fought a long battle against depression and low self-esteem. She had an eating disorder which had developed into anorexia nervosa.

The family of Mr Lumb, from Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, described him as a “normal lad” and had seen no signs of disturbing behaviour.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that, even if no suicide attempts take place as a result of information posted online, the author could still be prosecuted.

In a statement released shortly after Miss Lee’s death, her mother, Jill, and stepfather, Brian Chappell, said the family were devastated.

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They said: “Finding normal social interaction difficult, she found her friends through various social networking sites.

“In more recent times, we thought that her condition was improving. She seemed more content than she had been for a long time. She seemed happy.

“It was devastating for family and friends to discover that she had delved into the darker side of the internet.”

Mr Lumb’s father, Melvyn, said he had no idea that his son might be contemplating suicide.

“He didn’t seem any different, he had the same mannerisms. I didn’t know her, I knew nothing about her,” he said.