US EditionMigrant who died on Bibby Stockholm barge 'told staff he wanted to return to home country', inquest hears
The inquest reviews decisions on housing a migrant with severe mental health issues aboard the Bibby Stockholm, where he died by ligature compression in December 2023.
- Leonard Farruku, a 27-year-old migrant, was found unresponsive and deceased in a shower cubicle onboard the Bibby Stockholm barge at Portland Port on December 12, 2023.
- Before this, Leonard exhibited aggressive behaviour and informed the hotel staff on July 29, 2023, that he intended to leave for his home country at the earliest opportunity, warning that he would resort to violence if his request was ignored.
- Ms Gowrishanker, a housing officer, reported Leonard refused mental health support, threatened staff, asked for drugs, and that police and mental health teams attended but could not fully engage him.
- A post-mortem found Leonard died from compression to the neck combined with suspension by ligature, while the inquest opening is scheduled for September 15, 2025, to examine his mental health and transfer to the barge.
- Leonard’s family questioned why he was moved to the barge despite known mental health struggles, and the inquest will explore safeguarding systems for vulnerable asylum seekers.
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Dorset Echo
perspectivemedia.comMan who died on Bibby Stockholm said ‘he wanted to go back to his home country’
An Albanian man who died aboard the Bibby Stockholm told staff at a hotel where he was housed before being moved to the barge that he wanted to return to his home country because of his “mental health issues”
Migrant who died on Bibby Stockholm barge 'told staff he wanted to return to home country', inquest hears
Leonard Farruku's sisters have questioned how their brother, who they said struggled with his mental health after their parents' deaths, was allowed to be moved to the Bibby Stockholm.
Man who died on Bibby barge told hotel staff 'wanted to return home'
An Albanian man who died aboard the Bibby Stockholm told staff at a hotel where he was housed before being moved to the barge that he wanted to return to his home country because of his “mental health issues”, an inquest has heard.
Leonard Farruku: Inquest opens into death of asylum seeker on Bibby Stockholm barge
15 September 2025 This is a media release by Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, reshared by INQUEST Before HM Senior Coroner Mrs Rachael Griffin Dorset Coroner’s Court Opening 15 September 2025 Scheduled for 4 weeks Leonard Farruku was found unresponsive in the bathroom of his shared room on the Bibby Stockholm barge in the early morning of 12 December 2023 and declared deceased. Leonard’s family describe him as a brave and kind man, who had a real talent…
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