Man with brain damage hanged himself when DWP threatened to cut benefits

Trevor Drakard, was left panicked when he received a letter stating his benefits would be cut if he didn't join a 'Work Related Activity group'.

Trevor who has brain damage and 'uncontrollable' epilepsy fits, was unfit to work and hanged himself when The Department of Working Pensions demanded he joined in an Activity group or his benefits would be cut.

The 50 year old suffered from meningitis at five months old which left him brain damaged and an epilepsy sufferer at the age of six.

Throughout his life, he could not go 10 days without a fit and often fell down in public, causing injury's to himself such as a broken nose and jaw.

Remploy a disabled employer, where Trevor had worked for six years, had to dismiss him due to the severity of his condition.

Trevor told DWP: "I have never been able to work due to my epilepsy. I had a job at Remploy but I lost my job because they could no longer cope with my attacks."

He received around £100 pound a week which let him live an independent lifestyle but this was about to be taken away from him. Trevor seemingly couldn't handle the thought of not coping on his own and subsequently felt he had no other option but to hang himself.

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