Dad died before clearing name over baby’s death in Southampton

A father took his own life after the sudden death of his baby son who had been in his care, an inquest has heard.

Stuart Nineham, 24, was found dead in Mansel Park, Southampton, in April 2024 – more than three months after the death of 13-day-old Roman on 6 January.

Coroner Christopher Wilkinson said at an inquest in Portsmouth that Mr Nineham and the baby’s mother were arrested after the death, but police found no evidence of neglect.

No further action was taken, but at the time of his death, Mr Nineham had been unaware his name would be cleared.

Roman had been born prematurely and his death was recorded as a sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).

Mr Wilkinson told the hearing: “It would seem more likely than not, Stuart Nineham had fallen asleep while Roman had slept and Roman’s death occurred while both were asleep in the early hours of the morning.”

The inquest also heard that Mr Nineham sought help from his GP, but had also turned to “self-medicating” with alcohol and drugs, and had owed money to a dealer.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Mr Wilkinson said: “Tragically, Stuart, along with his partner and the wider family, were distraught by the death of his son, Roman.

“We know he was struggling with that loss profoundly and the significant impact that had on Stuart.”

Mr Wilkinson said the police investigation had been “bearing down” on Mr Nineham and his family, and added: “Stuart didn’t know the answer from police that they decided to take no further action.”

He said the pressures of the police investigation and the “public perception” of Roman’s death also caused “division” between Mr Nineham and his partner who, at about the same time, found out that she was pregnant.