Overview
- At a Doncaster hearing on Monday, the coroner ruled Hammill, 41, died by suicide by hanging and said his actions showed planning and intent.
- Police had arrested and questioned him in Doncaster the previous day, then released him on bail, with custody staff reporting he left in good spirits and raised no welfare concerns.
- He left notes for loved ones and a message with his house key telling a neighbour not to enter but to call police, and he was pronounced dead at 2.13pm after responders arrived shortly after 2pm.
- Lancashire Police disclosed on Tuesday that the arrest followed a report of sexual assault made in mid-December, and the force closed its investigation once notified of his death.
- His sister told the court the death was a complete shock to the family, as colleagues posted tributes, and the inquest process established cause and intent rather than any criminal liability.