A Portsmouth couple were discovered dead at their home after the husband experienced severe mental health decline during the coronavirus pandemic, a preliminary inquest has heard.
Christopher Stone-Houghton and Ruth Stone-Houghton, aged 60, were found deceased at their Holcot Lane residence on 14 September 2022.
Winchester coroner Rachel Spearing KC informed a pre-inquest review that post-mortem results revealed Mr Stone-Houghton’s death resulted from suspension, whilst Mrs Stone-Houghton died from a head injury.
The coroner confirmed multi-agency homicide and suicide investigations had been conducted into both fatalities. Ms Spearing explained: “Chris Stone-Houghton had sadly suffered with deterioration of his mental health.
“Those first signs emerged from the Christmas period of 2021 but active steps were taken around April 2022 by family members when Chris was referred and sought assistance for his deteriorating condition and the impact of Covid and anxieties and challenges that had arisen during that period was obviously part of that.”
The hearing learned Mr Stone-Houghton operated a jewellery enterprise in Petersfield that was forced to shut during the pandemic. He received both hospital and community mental health treatment and was last seen 48 hours before his death.
Ms Spearing stated: “Chris was sadly suffering from depression and suicidal ideation. There was sadly a rapid and critical deterioration in Chris’s mental health. Family and friends had continued to express concerns relating to the provision of care.”
The coroner noted Mr Stone-Houghton lacked insight into his mental state, experienced paranoia, and there were medication compliance concerns. She emphasised no evidence suggested domestic abuse.
Legal representation for the family highlighted “significant problems” with hospital treatment, particularly medication oversight and whether Mr Stone-Houghton concealed paranoid thoughts from medical staff.
Although Mr Stone-Houghton possessed a firearms licence, no weapon was involved in either death. Full inquest proceedings are scheduled to commence 8 December.
Following the deaths, the family released a statement through Hampshire Constabulary: “Not only were Chris and Ruth amazing parents to their two children, anyone who knew Chris and Ruth will know how hard they worked in so many parts of their lives and they were both known for their positivity and loveable sense of humour.”
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Their son Oliver previously described feeling “inexplicably devastated” and explained his father’s jewellery business, operated for five decades and owned for approximately 20 years, closed following the pandemic.
Oliver Stone-Houghton said: “It’s hard to put into words how much I miss you both. I’m inexplicably devastated beyond belief.
“The world is not what it was without you behind me every step of the way, but I’m determined to continue living life the way you taught me to. With confidence, kindness and positivity. I love you both so much and I will hold you close always.”
The couple also leave behind adult daughter Abigail.
