Dog groomer to Coronation Street stars killed himself after tidal wave of abuse from online trolls, inquest hears

A dog groomer to soap stars killed himself after online trolls destroyed his mental health, an inquest heard.Animal lover Bailey Lister, 22, hanged himself after enduring months of vile internet bullies.Police had launched an investigation into the blizzard of online harassment but Bailey, who looked after pets including dogs belonging to Coronation Street stars, took his own life on May 6, before its completion.Bailey - affectionately known as Dr Doolittle - loved animals so much that, aged 18, he founded a sanctuary for the creatures in Hambleton, near his home in Blackpool, Lancashire.He was inspired after rescuing a rat called Hugo and went on to offer space for small pets such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as well as birds - calling the charity venture Hugo’s Small Animal Sanctuary.His dog grooming customers included Daniel Brocklebank, who played Coronation Street vicar Billy Mayhew. However, Bailey had financial worries and he was evicted from the Hambleton site, prompting a flurry of online abuse and harassment, the inquest at Blackpool Town Hall heard.Bailey was deeply impacted by the online bullies, and in the space of just 12 weeks attempted suicide five times, the court was told.He was found hanged at home after leaving a farewell video on his mobile phone for his mother, sister and uncle. Bailey Lister was a successful dog groomer who looked after Coronation Street stars' petsRecording a conclusion of suicide Coroner Louise Rae said Bailey had no serious mental health issues before December, last year, after which he began suffering financial problems and online vitriol.Ms Rae said: ‘Bailey cared a great deal for animals and dedicated a considerable amount of time to their welfare.‘He had operated an animal sanctuary and much of his future aspirations centred around animal care.’But she went on: ‘In the months preceeding his death, Bailey experienced difficulties connected to the animal sanctuary and added pressures of online criticism.‘The evidence demonstrates that Bailey was distressed by the online criticism of the animal sanctuary - matters discussed with the police and mental health professionals.’Referring to the suicide attempts which followed, Ms Rae referred to a comment by Bailey that ‘things had become too much’.Mental health teams became involved and several factors, including financial concerns and online harassment, were recognised as factors in his state of mind.But, with the intervention of mental health professionals, his condition improved and he looked forward to spending time with his animals and family. He had passed his driving test and was looking forward to starting work in a zoo and as a dog warden. Animal lover Bailey ran a rescue facility which ended up in difficulty and he suffered abuse Facebook memorial post in remembrance of Bailey Lister posted by his brotherHowever, the coroner said, in February, he received further threats and again experienced suicidal thoughts.On 6 May, Bailey Snapchatted with his former partner Adam Latham, with whom he still lived, asking if they could rekindle their relationship. They both decided to move on, the inquest heard.Mr Latham arrived at their Blackpool home, the following morning, to find Bailey’s body. He immediately called the police.Det Insp Chris Hammond, senior investigating officer for Lancashire Police, told the inquest that Bailey had reported online harassment and his allegations were being investigated at the time of his death and as to whether the messages amounted to a criminal offence.The officer said: ‘We would never be able to prove, to a criminal standard, that those messages were a substantial reason for Bailey’s death.’He described some of the messages as ‘extremely critical’ of Bailey and ‘very critical of his running of the animal sanctuary’.Speaking after the case, Bailey’s family said he was a huge Coronation Street fan and his ex-partner had proposed to him on the set of the soap.His mother Leanne Lister, 41, said: ‘He started grooming for some of the soap stars in Manchester. He was so proud about that. He always did a very good job.’But she added: ‘This group of women accused Bailey of all sorts, fraud and animal cruelty. It was relentless.‘Bailey even turned himself in because it was all lies. He had done nothing wrong.‘He loved animals, he would never harm them. He did not deserve the cowardly online bullying he endured.’Ms Lister said she, Bailey’s sister Kadie, 20, and his uncle Luke Lister, 39, attended the inquest on Thursday, but remain dissatisfied with the police investigation into the cyber-bullying.She added: ‘We would want a proper police investigation carried out against that group, but we think that now it is not going to happen.’The family believes that Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust, which was responsible for his care, and Lancashire Constabulary should have liaised about the impact of online abuse on his mental state.Each organisation was aware of the other’s involvement but chose not to communicate between themselves, she said.Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust and Lancashire Constabulary were contacted for comment.For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or thecalmzone.net