An inquest heard that a teacher committed suicide after suffering horrifying homophobic stalker abuse.
In the weeks leading up to his death on June 6, 2021, Darren Capers repeatedly threatened and harassed Simon Cremen, 38.
The official cause of death was listed as suicide by Coroner Paul Smith at an inquest conducted at Grimsby Town Hall on Friday, according to GrimsbyLive.
Capers, 39, confessed stalking Simon beginning in May 2021 and received a four-year prison term in December of last year.
A video of Capers, a defendant from Grimsby, was played at Hull Crown Court during testimony about his threats to bomb Simon’s home and break his windows.
“You were quite literally terrorising him, and, understandably, your actions had a profound effect upon him,” Judge John Thackray KC said to Capers.
In the last few weeks and days of his life, “You caused distress and misery to your victim.”
Sandra, Simon’s mother, stated during the inquest that she thought her son might have lived if the abuse campaign had not occurred.
In 2019, Simon began working as a maths teacher at Grimsby’s John Whitgift Academy after quitting his position as a banker with Halifax, where he had collected thousands of dollars for LGBTQ+ organisations.
“He loved his job,” Sandra told GrimsbyLive, “and any student would go to Simon for help if they had any problems.”
During the pandemic, he battled with isolation, and when he returned to work, Capers started harassing him.
Simon was overcome by desperation, Mr. Smith stated in his verdict for the inquiry.
“I have no doubt that this vile, homophobic abuse and behaviour, which appeared to be intensifying, gave him concerns.”
He expressed gratitude to Simon’s friends and family for coming and said, “I’ve no doubt Simon will live long in your thoughts and he will be missed by you all.”
