Lousia Ovington independent investigation report ... - NHS North East

CHAPTER 1 - NARRATIVE OF KEY DATES AND EVENTS
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180. A pre-sentence report was prepared. The probation officer concluded that Louisa
Ovington presented a high risk of harm to the public and a high risk of reoffending;
commented that her behaviour was bizarre on interview and said she could not make
recommendations without a psychiatric report. Her assessment (an OASys 64 ) suggested
a MAPPA referral was indicated. This was not followed up.
181. On 10 September (without the benefit of a psychiatric report) the court
sentenced Louisa Ovington to a two year CRO 65 . There was liaison between the
remand centre, social services, the CRT and social services emergency duty team. The
CRT tried to make contact with Louisa Ovington but failed.
182. The GP asked for advice about medication for Louisa Ovington on 20 September
2004. He had no response and prescribed an antipsychotic for one week.
183. Between September 2004 and November 2004 Louisa Ovington’s chaotic and
disturbed behaviour continued to cause concern. Various records note the following
(but in some cases it was not possible to establish details):
i. On 20 September she made an allegation (with a 999 call) that a neighbour was
firesetting (no evidence of this);
ii. On 21 September she was arrested at a hotel for not attending court;
iii. On 22 September she made an “abusive and agitated” call to her GP, who
referred the matter to Staff Grade Psychiatrist 1 for urgent advice;
iv. On the same day she made a “hysterical” 999 call claiming that Mr Hilton would
not let her out of the house. She was taken under Section 136 MHA 66 to
Hartlepool General Hospital. She had apparently self harmed but was
assessed as no risk to herself and refused admission. Social Services tried to find
her accommodation but were unable to do so. She had to be removed by police;
v. Two days later she was convicted of criminal damage (committed on 17 July
2004); 67
vi. She found temporary hostel accommodation near Hartlepool but was threatened
with eviction as she broke the rules about alcohol and at some point she was in
fact evicted;
vii. Despite the efforts of Social Worker 7 and Team Manager 2 she failed to attend
an emergency outpatients appointment or a case conference ( see later), or
indeed any outpatient appointments during this period;
64 Offender Assessment System ( a Probation Service risk assessment tool)
65 9th conviction
66 See Chapter 8
67 10th conviction