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Coroner warns veteran fell between services before his death in Aylesford
Overview
A coroner has found that 42-year-old veteran Richard Preece "fell between services" prior to his death in June 2025. Preece, who suffered from severe injuries from Afghanistan, chronic pain, PTSD, and self-neglect issues, was found dead in his Aylesford home from drug toxicity. The assistant coroner for Kent and Medway highlighted missed opportunities for information-sharing and timely multi-agency reviews. In response, Kent County Council stated it has strengthened multi-agency working, staff guidance, and safeguarding processes.
Key points
- Richard Preece, a 42-year-old military veteran, was found dead at his Aylesford home in June 2025 from drug toxicity.
- He served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, suffering serious injuries that led to chronic pain, mobility issues, and PTSD.
- An assistant coroner found that opportunities to share information and co-ordinate agency responses between 2022 and 2025 appeared to have been missed.
- Despite three safeguarding referrals involving concerns like hoarding and poor personal care, no timely multi-agency review took place.
- Kent County Council responded by stating it has enhanced staff training, adopted new review procedures, and strengthened partnership working.