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Dad killed himself hours after football match racism probe launched

Andrew Paul Hewitt 'could not face the embarrassment' of a potential club ban or jail term, a court heard

General image of a coroner's court sign
General image of a coroner's court sign

A HGV driver killed himself hours after police launched a probe into an alleged racist gesture made at a football match, an inquest has heard.

Andrew Paul Hewitt 'could not face the embarrassment' of a potential club ban or jail term.


The 52-year-old was found dead at his family home in Flint, North Wales, on December 1.


It was just one day after the keen Chester FC fan had gone to an away fixture at National League rivals Warrington Town.

Following the match, video emerged online of a 'small group' of Chester fans making gestures towards a Warrington player.

A hearing at County Hall, Ruthin, heard how Chester FC released a statement expressing its discontent with the video.

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The club later said an individual had been identified and police would take appropriate action, the inquest heard on Wednesday, April 23.


In a statement, Andrew’s brother Alan said the dad-of-one's behaviour was 'completely out of character'.

He said: "Andrew got caught up in the moment."

Alan said his brother must have read the club statement, together with comments online, and thought he would face a lengthy ban or a custodial sentence.


He 'could not face the embarrassment of either outcome', he said.

A note was found at Andrew's home in Palace Close which read: "I f***** up. Sorry."

Family members attended the brief hearing at County Hall where Andrew was described as a 'hard-working individual'.


He had followed Chester FC home and away for 40 years, and was in a long-term relationship.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, HM Coroner for North Wales John Gittins expressed his condolences as he told the family: "It is a very tragic loss in very extreme, difficult circumstances.

"I can see this is a gentleman who is very much missed and the hole he has left is very difficult to fill in all of your lives."

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Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.

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