Mental health services are often framed as the caring alternative to policing and prisons. But Lucy and Lee look at what happens when the very system designed to protect us, fails to do just that. 

Mikey Powell, 38, and Jess Durdy, 27, both died whilst in mental health crisis. Two very different stories. Two decades apart. Through these two very different instances of state violence and neglect, Lucy and Lee look at just how far-reaching the scale of the problem is, and the communities it harms the most. 

We hear from Mikey’s cousin Tippah Napthali and Jess’s mum Moira Durdy about what mental health services in Britain are really like and what their deaths have meant to them and their families.  

Unlawful Killing is made in partnership with INQUEST and Aunt Nell. Produced by Leila Hagmann and Naomi Oppenheim. Consultant Producers Tash Walker and Adam Zmith. 

This podcast is part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Hodge Jones & Allen. 

Oral histories supported by OnTheRecord. Music by Dave Okumu 

More information and sources of support: www.inquest.org.uk/podcast 

Support this show by donating at: www.inquest.org.uk/donate 

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