Cardiff Library worker, 50, hanged himself at home after he was forced to re-apply for job

‘Fit and well’ Cardiff Library worker, 50, hanged himself at home after he was forced to re-apply for the job he’d done most of his life but failed to get it

  • Anthony Davidson, 50, was found dead at his home in Cardiff on September 28
  • The 50-year-old had failed to get his own job when he was asked to reapply for it
  • Librarian Mr Davidson worried about his job when put on a list for a different role

Anthony Davidson, 50, was found dead at his home in Cardiff 

A librarian took his own life after he failed to get his own job when he was told to reapply for it. 

Anthony Davidson, 50, had worked for the library service from the age of 19 before jobs were axed in local authority cuts.  

He was later told he had failed to retain his role as a librarian and so put on a list for another job with the local council.

But family members believe the redeployment and subsequent job worries may have contributed to his death.

On the day the family found Mr Davidson, they discovered he had not turned up to work for two days which was ‘out of character’ for the dedicated librarian. 

The 50-year-old was found hanged at home in Cardiff on September 28.  

An inquest held at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Monday heard Mr Davidson had no known mental health problems.         

His uncle Derek Britton said Anthony was ‘fit and well’ before being found hanged in his home.

The 50-year-old had been forced to reapply for his job at Cardiff Library 

The 50-year-old had been forced to reapply for his job at Cardiff Library 

Coroner Graeme Hughes said: ‘Anthony previously worked for Cardiff Library for most of his life.

‘But there was a time a few months before his death that he had to re-apply for his job and Derek feels this may have been a contributing factor.’

In a statement, Anthony’s colleague Stephen Edge said he failed to turn up for work after a few days leave.

Mr Hughes said: ‘Anthony didn’t get his job when he re-applied for it and was put on a re-appointed list.

‘Anthony didn’t make any complaints that my have caused concern.’ 

In the statement Mr Britton also explained Mr Davidson’s mother passed a few years ago.

The statement continued: ‘I last saw Anthony on September 23 last year. On that day I noticed Anthony was quieter than normal.

‘It was the weekend of the anniversary of when his mother passed away.’

Evidence was also read on behalf of Mr Davidson’s step-father, Ronald Lye who said at the time his mother died Mr Davidson ‘seemed to be dealing with things quite well.’

His statement read: ‘He never had any concerns that I was aware of. No mental health concerns – none that he shared with the family anyway.’

Police officers forced entry into Mr Davidson’s home after they were contacted by his family, and PC Chris Morgan confirmed a note was found in the kitchen area. 

The medical cause of death was hanging and Mr Hughes gave a conclusion of suicide.  

Mr Hughes said: ‘The note found demonstrates an intention to take his own life, and my conclusion as to how Anthony came about his death is one of suicide.

‘I am content that the evidence reveals Anthony acted deliberately and alone.’ 

A spokesperson for the Council said: ‘Anthony’s passing was deeply felt by his colleagues and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

‘Following redeployment, Anthony worked in his new role with the Council for 13 months. The news of his passing touched everyone who knew him.

‘We take the welfare of our staff very seriously and the Council has a wellbeing service which offers free counselling to employees at any time of the day or the night.

‘This service allows staff the opportunity to seek help and to talk with trained professionals. This was a tragic loss and we would like to pass our condolences to Anthony’s family.’

  • For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see samaritans.org for details. 

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