A SUICIDAL man was allowed to walk out of hospital and call a taxi before leaping to his death from a railway station bridge, an inquest has heard.

Steven Murphy, 41, had previously tried to take an overdose and yet was allowed to go on a cigarette break without supervision, before later throwing himself in front of a train at Liss railway station on June 6 last year.

The family has criticised staff who allowed him to go outside on his own, against doctors’ orders.

A day prior to his death he was admitted to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham after taking an overdose of painkillers. His death triggered an investigation at the hospital and procedure improvements have since been made.

Portsmouth coroner David Horsley concluded that Mr Murphy (pictured) “took his own life while suffering from severe long-term mental health problems”.

A spokesman for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust said lessons have been learned and an action plan introduced.