THE family of Jeremy Kyle Show “suicide” victim Steve Dymond are demanding ITV bosses hand over unseen material.
Lawyers acting on behalf of the 63-year-old’s relatives insist executives and programme-makers hand over evidence, in the form of emails, video footage and correspondence, reports The Guardian.
The dad-of-one, a machinery operator, was found dead in Portsmouth by his landlady just ten days after taking part in a recording for the show. Mr Dymond is thought to have died of an overdose.
The Jeremy Kyle Show was axed following his death in May.
He had appeared on the controversial programme to convince his fiance Jane Callaghan that he hadn’t been unfaithful, in an attempt to repair their relationship.
But they split after he failed a lie detector test.
His ex-fiancée Jane claims that Steve was determined to go in front of the cameras despite having underlying health concerns.
INQUEST TO RESUME
Mr Dymond first split from his fiancée Jane in February 2019, after she accused him of cheating on her. He then went on the show to try to prove her wrong.
With an inquest set to resume in November, his brother and cousin’s lawyers, Leigh Day Solicitors, are asking ITV – through the Coroner – for further information.
The Guardian points out that the Coroner will decide what evidence is relevant for the hearing in Portsmouth.
When the inquest opened – and was adjourned – in May, it was told that empty morphine tablets were discovered near his body.
The couple split after he failed the test and now his friends fear Steve took his own life[/caption]
Jane Callaghan claimed that Steve Dymond was determined to go in front of the cameras on the show[/caption]
SUSPECTED SUICIDE
He had told his landlady that the Jeremy Kyle episode, which has never been broadcast, “didn’t go well”.
Det. Sgt Marcus Mills told the Coroner that Mr Dymond’s death was a suspected suicide.
He added that the construction worker “became concerned about the repercussions of the show, and the rumours that had started as a result.”
There were no signs of foul play.
Mr Dymond’s family has unsuccessfully applied for legal aid for representation at the inquest.
Solicitor Merry Varney told the Mirror it was “disgraceful” that his relatives had to “fight for legal aid.
“Stephen’s family strongly believe that there is a wider public interest in his inquest given the prevalence on reality television in today’s society, and the other reported deaths that have been linked to reality television participants.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.
