Tributes paid to 'much-loved' University of Portsmouth student who died after buying poison from criminal
Joshua Warner died after buying poison online, an inquest has heard
Emotional tributes have been paid to a university student who died after buying poison from an overseas criminal.
Joshua Warner died on January 31, 2023, at Rosalind Franklin Halls in Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth. The 21-year-old, who had been studying psychology, purchased poison online from Kenneth Law, 57, from Mississauga, Canada.
Today (Monday, August 24), a three-day inquest into Joshua’s death began at Winchester Coroner’s Court. Here, his family paid tribute to a man who was inquisitive, intelligent and “exceptionally loved”.
His mother, Stephanie, said: “Joshua was a much-loved son - unique, quirky, fiercely loyal, and with a strong dislike of injustice.
“He had a very dry sense of humour and extremely quick wit. His intelligence was unrivalled; he believed respect needed to be earned and not just willingly given. Before his illness, he was curious and inquisitive. He was honest, full of integrity, and gave a considered opinion to all things asked of him.
“He was, and is, so deeply loved, remembered and missed, every single day. His death has shattered me - life will never be the same without him.”
Joshua grew up in Surrey, attending Woking High School and Woking College.
The court heard how Joshua was initially studying at the University of York, but “changed courses” and moved to Portsmouth to study psychology, after struggling with his mental health.
Prior to his death, he was diagnosed with anxiety, borderline personality disorder (BPD) and depressive episodes. Joshua had been involved with mental health services, but “deceived” both them and his family as to how he was truly feeling.
Joshua’s father, Graham, added: “Joshua was his own person. Early on he was chirpy and chatty - he became a very private person. Josh taught us many things. Gender fluidity, diversity, new words and so on. He was too trapped in his own ruminations and thoughts.
“When losing a child, you are broken. Not wanting to sleep, or get out of bed. But Joshua was loved, exceptionally loved.”
In a statement, university flatmate Hannah Ford told the court she had seen Joshua earlier that evening. She said: “I bumped into him earlier in the evening. He said hello, and seemed fine.
“Joshua was a tolerant flatmate - we probably made too much noise, but he didn’t seem to mind.”
Law, who sold the poison to Joshua, pleaded guilty in Canada earlier this year to 14 counts of aiding suicide. These charges were all related to Canadian victims.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said 79 UK victims died as a direct result of buying Law’s products online, but he will not face criminal proceedings here.
If you've been affected and bereaved by suicide, Cruse is a dedicated service providing free and confidential support across Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Call 0330 555 0129, or visit supportaftersuicideship.org.uk
If you need urgent help with your mental health, there is free support available 24/7 from:
Samaritans - call 116 123
Shout - text HANTS to 85258
NHS - call 111 and select the mental health option, or in an emergency, call 999