An aspiring DJ who died on the A47 after absconding from hospital was in Norfolk because there were no mental health beds available nearer to his home, a court has heard.

Lee West died on January 20 after he was struck by two vehicles on the A47 at Postwick. He was just 20 years old.

An inquest into his death is being held this week and next at County Hall in Norwich.

During the first day of the hearing, the court heard that Mr West had been admitted to Southern Hill, a private mental health hospital in Mundesley, two weeks before his death.

The court heard that on June 6, Mr West had been found on the wrong side of a bridge in Colchester in serious distress and was detained under the Mental Health Act.

He was then taken to A&E at Colchester Hospital, where his mental health was assessed and a decision was made for him to have a period of in-patient treatment.

Southern Hill hospital in MundesleySouthern Hill hospital in Mundesley (Image: Geraldine Scott)

However, no beds were available for him in Essex at the time and he was instead sent to Southern Hill. 

But on June 20 he left the hospital undetected and was later seen walking along the carriageway of the A47 at Postwick, some 20 miles away.

Samantha Goward, area coroner for Norfolk, said: "On January 20, while a nurse was leaving through a locked gate, Lee was able to follow behind and leave the site.

"Attempts to locate him were unsuccessful and he was later seen by drivers walking alongside the A47."

Mr West was then struck by a vehicle, then hit by a second during attempts to move him off the carriageway safely. 

The inquest, which is being held with a jury, is scheduled to last for eight days.

Mother's heartfelt tribute

At the beginning of the inquest, a moving tribute from Mr West's family was read to the court.

In the statement his mother described how he had recently discovered DJing, which became a real passion for him.

She said: "Lee had an adventurous spirit and his good nature was a consistent source of support.

"He was always there to lend a helping hand or a listening ear, making life's challenges more bearable.

"His memory will continue. He was an extraordinary son, brother and uncle; his young nephew, in particular, thought the world of him.

"His loss is immeasurable and his memory will forever be cherished by anybody who knew and loved him."

The inquest continues.

Do you need support? Samaritans can be reached at all hours on 116 123. The NHS First Response Service is available 24/7 on 111, selecting the mental health option.