A SUICIDAL father who allegedly failed to receive the hospital treatment he needed, had seen a psychiatrist in the weeks before his death, it has been revealed.

But the assessment was commissioned by a court ready for Stephen Tedesci's appearance at Blackburn Magistrates last Thursday charged with two counts of police assault.

It found Stephen, of Ravenglass Close, Blackburn, was suffering from a mental illness. On Thursday September 19 he was found in Lord Square, Blackburn, having plunged down from the multi-story car park.

His partner of 10 years, Jacqueline Maxwell, today demanded to know why this information had not been used to section him and possibly prevent his death. Jacqueline claimed that Stephen, 32, had been taken to casualty at Blackburn Royal Infirmary twice in the week before his death with self-inflicted injuries.

She said he also checked himself into the A and E department four days before his death without any injuries. Each time he was pleading for help and to be sectioned, Jacqueline claimed.

But he left after waiting up to 12 hours to see a psychiatrist.

Health bosses are conducting an inquiry into the events before Mr Tedesci's death. Jacqueline said: "They should have done something to help Stephen before if they knew he had a mental illness."

Defence solicitor Daniel King said that tragically Mr Tedesci had died in circumstances that suggested he had taken his own life.

"The problems identified in the report appear to have materialised and sadly had a fatal consequence before the relevant treatment could be administered," said Mr King.

Mr Tedesci faced two charges of police assault, two of using threatening behaviour, being drunk and disorderly and criminal damage. All matters were withdrawn.