Teacher took his own life after obsessed stalker 'terrorised' him

Gay teacher took his own life after obsessed stalker ‘terrorised’ him in shocking campaign of homophobic abuse

• Simon Cremen, 38, from Grimsby was found dead by a friend on June 6, 2021
• Before his death, he was the victim of ‘vile, homophobic abuse’ by Darren Capers

A teacher took his own life after an obsessed stalker allegedly targeted him with homophobic abuse, an inquest has heard.

Simon Cremen, 38, was found dead by a friend on June 6, 2021 and had been the victim of a shocking campaign of abuse before his death by Darren Capers, who was convicted of stalking him and sentenced to four years in prison last December. 

Coroner Paul Smith delivered a conclusion of suicide and said Simon’s actions to take his own life were ‘deliberate and intentional’ at the inquest yesterday, GrimsbyLive reports.

His devastated parents said he joined John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, as a maths teacher in 2019. Simon was also a prominent campaigner for gay rights, HullLive reports.

His mother Sandra told the inquest: ‘He loved his job and if any student had any problems they’d go to Simon for help.’ 

Simon Cremen, 38, was found dead by a friend on June 6, 2021 and had been the victim of a shocking campaign of abuse before his death by Darren Capers, who was convicted of stalking him and sentenced to four years in prison last December

His devastated parents said he joined John Whitgift Academy (pictured), in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, as a maths teacher in 2019. Simon was also a prominent campaigner for gay rights, HullLive reports

During the pandemic and lockdowns, Simon found himself struggling with a lack of social interaction, the inquest heard. He returned to work afterwards, but Capers started stalking, harassing and threatening him in May 2021.

Simon then felt unsafe walking around the local area and within a month, the situation escalated and the police became involved.

The threats were so bad they even prevented him from going to the shops.

On the evening of June 6, 2021, Emma Linford, a fellow teacher and life-long friend of Simon, said he sent her worrying messages, after which she went to check on him and discovered his body.

She said that the situation with Capers had affected all aspects of Simon’s life and was deeply upsetting him, according to a statement read out at yesterday’s inquest.

Simon’s mother Sandra said: ‘When the police came to tell us what happened, I couldn’t believe it, we were distraught.’ 

She said if it wasn’t for Capers’ behaviour, she doesn’t think Simon would have taken his own life. 

Capers, 39, also from Grimsby, admitted to stalking Simon and causing serious harm or distress between May 12 and June 7 in 2021.

Hull Crown Court, where Capers was sentenced to four years in prison last December, heard that Capers had threatened to bomb Simon’s house and smash his windows. There was also a video of him shouting shocking insults.

Capers, 39, also from Grimsby, admitted to stalking Simon and causing serious harm or distress between May 12 and June 7 in 2021

Judge John Thackray KC told Capers in December: ‘You were quite literally terrorising him and, understandably, your actions had a profound effect upon him. 

‘You caused distress and misery to your victim in the final days and weeks of his life. He was overwhelmed by your conduct.’

In his conclusion to the inquest yesterday, Coroner Mr Smith said: ‘Desperation engulfed him [Simon]. This vile, homophobic abuse and behaviour, which appeared to be escalating, I’ve no doubt gave him concerns.’ 

He added that it appears Simon ‘deliberately and intentionally made the decision to end his own life’, therefore he Mr Smith recorded the formal cause of death as suicide.

He also told Simon’s family in his closing statement: ‘I’ve no doubt Simon will live long in your thoughts and he will be missed forever by you all.’

After the inquest, Simon’s dad Vince told GrimsbyLive: ‘It’s been terrible. Words fail me. There is no resolve, we just have to learn to cope with it.’

• The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk in confidence. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email [email protected] or head to the website to find your nearest branch.

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