23-04-2025
Chester FC fan took his life after gesture to player circulated online
Andrew Paul Hewitt was found dead at his home on Palace Street in Flint on December 1, 2024.
At County Hall in Ruthin on Wednesday (April 23), an inquest was held into the 52-year-old's death.
In a statement read out to the coroner's court, Mr Hewitt's brother, Alan, said he had been a keen supporter of Chester FC for around 40 years.
He had taken his son to see Chester play at Warrington Town on November 30.
During the match, Mr Hewitt made a 'gesture' towards an opposing player which his brother said was 'completely out of character'.
A photo of Mr Hewitt making the gesture was shared widely on social media, and Chester FC subsequently released a statement condemning it.
Mr Alan Hewitt told the inquest: 'He'd obviously seen the video and comments online. He must have come to the conclusion that he either faced a lengthy ban from football or a custodial sentence.
"He could not face the embarrassment of either outcome."
Alan Hewitt said his brother had never been in trouble with the police.
In the early hours of December 1, police officers were called to a report of at Mr Hewitt's home to a report of a sudden death.
Mr Hewitt's body was found on the bed by family members.
A pathologist's cause of death following a post-mortem examination was hanging. Samples taken for the purposes of toxicology found no evidence of alcohol or drugs in Mr Hewitt's system.
A receipt next to the bed had an apology written on it.
John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, said he was satisfied from the evidence that Mr Hewitt had sought to end his life.
He recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Mr Gittins described it as a 'very tragic loss' for his family in 'extremely difficult circumstances'.
He added that it was clear that Mr Hewitt will be 'very much missed'.
He said that there was 'no evidence that points me in the direction' of issuing a Prevention of Future Deaths report to any organisation in relation to the incident.
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