Dog Groomer Dies by Suicide Amid Online Abuse, Inquest Reveals

A dog groomer who worked for stars of the television show Coronation Street died by suicide after enduring months of intense online bullying, an inquest has revealed. Bailey Lister, 22, was found to have hanged himself using a leash from one of his pet poodles.

Police had initiated an investigation into the harassment, but Lister died on May 6 before its completion. He had been the target of a significant amount of online abuse, particularly related to his work with animals and his animal sanctuary.

Lister, who was affectionately known as Dr Doolittle, founded Hugo’s Small Animal Sanctuary in Hambleton, Lancashire, at the age of 18. He was inspired to create the sanctuary after rescuing a rat named Hugo and provided space for various small animals, including rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and birds.

However, the inquest at Blackpool Town Hall heard that Lister experienced financial difficulties and was evicted from the sanctuary site. This led to a barrage of online abuse and harassment, which deeply impacted his mental health.

Over a 12-week period, Lister reportedly attempted suicide five times. He was found deceased at his home after leaving a farewell video on his mobile phone for his mother, sister, and uncle.

Coroner Louise Rae stated that Lister had no serious mental health issues prior to December of the previous year. His difficulties began with financial problems and escalated with online vitriol. Rae noted that Lister cared deeply for animals and dedicated considerable time to their welfare. While mental health teams became involved and recognized financial concerns and online harassment as contributing factors, his condition had shown improvement. He had passed his driving test and was looking forward to working in a zoo and as a dog warden.

However, in February, Lister received further threats, leading to renewed suicidal thoughts. On May 6, he communicated with his former partner, Adam Latham, with whom he was still living, about potentially rekindling their relationship. The inquest heard they decided to move on.

Latham discovered Lister's body the following morning and immediately contacted the police.

Detective Inspector Chris Hammond of Lancashire Police informed the inquest that Lister had reported the online harassment. The investigation was examining whether the messages constituted a criminal offense, but Hammond stated that it would be impossible to prove to a criminal standard that the messages were a substantial reason for Lister's death. He described some of the messages as "extremely critical" of Lister and his management of the animal sanctuary.

Lister's mother, Leanne Lister, expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation into the cyber-bullying. She stated that a group of women had accused her son of fraud and animal cruelty, describing the harassment as relentless. She asserted that Lister had done nothing wrong and did not deserve the online bullying.

The family believes that Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust and Lancashire Constabulary should have communicated more effectively regarding the impact of the online abuse on Lister’s mental state, as both organizations were aware of each other’s involvement.

For confidential support, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116123.