Did dangerous drug (chlorpromazine) kill our son Harry Horne-Roberts?

THE parents of an autistic artist from Upper Holloway are demanding an inquiry after he died in his sleep of heart failure while in care.
Harry Horne-Roberts, 20, of Cheverton Road, whose work has featured in exhibitions throughout London, was found dead in bed a week before Christmas while in the care of Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust.
A coroner concluded the death on December 16 was due to natural causes. But Harry’s parents, Keith and Jennifer Horne-Roberts, have been told he was given a powerful anti-psychotic drug, chlorpromazine.
They want the inquiry to establish whether the drug contributed to his death.
Mrs Horne-Roberts, a barrister, said the family would be making an official complaint to the health trust. They are demanding to see medical records and details of drugs Harry received prior to his death.
She added: “We want to make representations to the coroner that we believe he was on a dangerous drug which was entirely inappropriate for his condition.
“We’re also concerned that this doesn’t happen to others, particularly autistic people in a similar position. We believe there must be changes in Parliament to control the use of these very dangerous anti-psychotic drugs.”
The couple are meeting Islington North Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn today (Friday) and their local Lib Dem councillor, Greg Foxsmith, to discuss the case. Mr Corbyn said “I knew Harry and enjoyed his work. I also know Jennifer and Keith Horne-Roberts and I’m very aware they were determined to do the very best for Harry throughout his life. They have a number of concerns which need to be addressed.”
Steven Thomas, head of external communications for Haringey, Barnet, Enfield Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “We are sorry to hear of the death of Harry Horne-Roberts and extend our condolences to his family and friends.
“We understand the coroner has concluded death was due to natural causes.
“However, if the family has a concern about any aspect of Harry’s care or treatment, we would encourage them to contact us so we might investigate fully.”
PETER GRUNER

‘A fantastic curiosity’

MORE than 150 people attended the funeral of Harry Horne-Roberts at St Michael’s Church, Highgate, on Monday. Among mourners were staff from Bridge School, in Islington, where Harry was a pupil.
Two years ago, his work was featured in the Tribune as part of an exhibition at Lauderdale House, in Highgate, by young autistic people.
His mother, Jennifer, said bringing up an autistic child involved many highs and lows. “He could be difficult but he could also be very loving,” she said. “Once, when he was 16, he tried to swim across the Thames and had to be fished out.”
But she and her husband Keith have happy memories of holidays with Harry and his sister in Wales.
“He loved museums, particularly the Natural History Museum,” she said. “He had a fantastic curiosity about everything, including music and art.
“It is a great challenge bringing up an autistic child. What you get back is unequivocal love. These children are totally vulnerable and anxious. My husband Keith was very good at distracting Harry from whatever was making him worried.” Harry’s art will be displayed at memorial exhibitions later this year.