Man, 28, found dead near Plymouth church was homeless
A YOUNG homeless man whose body was found in the grounds of a city church had once been so desperate for a bed he lied to police about stealing wine.
The Herald has learned the body of the 28-year-old found at the back of the Minster Church of St Andrew's, opposite Plymouth Magistrates Court, on the morning of November 11, was that of Darryl Jeffrey.
Mr Jeffrey's body was discovered by a member of the public shortly after 8.30am.
Police said that while his death was unexplained they were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances.
The area around his body was taped off for two hours while scene of crime officers carried out an examination of the grounds.
The cause of Mr Jeffrey's death is still unknown and it is understood a post mortem has yet to be carried out.
His next of kin, who are believed to live in north Devon, have been informed of his death.
In February this year Mr Jeffrey was jailed for 14 weeks for three offences – wasting police time, stealing a St Luke's charity box the preceding December and for being in possession of a small amount of Valium in October 2010.
District Judge Paul Farmer heard how Mr Jeffrey had taken the tin from a fish and chip shop after a drinking spree.
He had been arrested for the offence but later released on police bail.
On February 4 he told police he had stolen three bottles of wine in an effort to get himself locked up in the police cells.
In court, his advocate Jodie Baker admitted Mr Jeffrey had a very serious drinking problem and had been turned away from his hostel on February 4 because he was drunk.
He was desperate not to be forced to sleep on the streets and so went to the police and made up the theft.
Investigators say they are still preparing a file for the coroner and the post mortem is expected to be carried out sometime next week.
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by RobinGlass92
Monday, February 20 2012, 5:03AM
“@animals02
Why do you feel the need to post so much of my brothers personal life on here for everybody to know. It comes across as very disrespectful and inconsiderate.”
by NataliaJames
Tuesday, November 29 2011, 10:39PM
“@naomi1234 i have added you on facebook. that is a good idea to all meet up to scatter the ashes x”
by naomi1234
Tuesday, November 29 2011, 8:37PM
“@NataliaJames hiya i did try to find u on facebook but couldnt so if u want add me (Naomi Hughes) theres quite a few but on mine its listed that i went to lipson community college n im 22. that would be nice for the children 2 be able to meet . I spoke to Daryls mum last week and unfortunately the dss wont help with funeral costs so Daryl wont be having a funeral as ros and gordon cant afford it , after the post mortum he will be cremated and the ashes will be sent to them , They were then going to come to plymouth and scatter his ashes with me and the boys in one of his favourite places if u would like we could all arrange to meet up together with kylie and alysha aswell so that we all get a chance to say goodbye properly x”
by NataliaJames
Tuesday, November 29 2011, 3:34PM
“@naomi1234. i'm Jake's mum. Could we keep in contact for the sake of the children please? i'm in contact with Alysha's mum and i thought it would nice if the kids could meet each other one day. Also do you know when the funeral is or has it already been? i'm not in contact with Daryl's parents and have not been informed of any details. I have got facebook if you want to add me on there (natalia claire james) x”
by naomi1234
Monday, November 28 2011, 11:52PM
“im not going to come here and **** off daryl because hes the father of my 2 sons jamie and jack but to all the people who thought he was soft and kind and just in a rut and who are ****ging off people for not helping him get ur facts straight and google his name and ule find another herald piece only this one is him being sentenced for assaulting me while i was pregnant with our eldest son because i wouldnt give him money to get drunk ( and thats one of his milder sentences) . those of us who loved him and professionals went above and beyond to try and get him help including me but he wudnt commit and let people help him he was simply on self destruct mode , now instead of looking for people to blame let him be at peace and give a thought for his 5 children jake 8, alysha 6, kyra, jamie 2 and jack 8 months.”
by Annefreeman1
Sunday, November 27 2011, 1:15PM
“Does anybody know if Daryl's funeral has taken place yet? I remember meeting Daryl last year, albeit in very upsetting circumstances for him.”
by thimblehall
Friday, November 25 2011, 11:09AM
“i knew of daryll from seeing him around town . was a very quiet and well mannered chap . caught in a rut .i also know many people who knew of him who are all deeply saddened by his death . we all wish his family the best at this tragic time . he never spoke of any children and untill reading this were not aware he had any , how awfull for them this must be ,this has really affected many of his friends and he always had plenty of friends of whos doors he could knock upon at times of need , why he was on the bench we will never know. a very sad ending to a dear life .please if any family read this would u kindly let me know of funeral arrangements ... many thanks xx”
by NataliaJames
Wednesday, November 23 2011, 11:47PM
“has anyone even given a thought to Daryl's 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter? Daryl is there dad too and is also my ex husband.”
by ClickBoom
Wednesday, November 23 2011, 10:31PM
“I can't imagine dying alone is very nice. Hopefully he had some good memories to cling to at least in his last hours.
Although this man was an alcoholic he shouldn't have been turned away from a hostel for being drunk - that is when he would have been at his most vulnerable. We should have places like the Wet Houses in America. Although controversial, a Wet House would provide a place for those in a bad situation and would save others from what happened to Darryl.”
by naomi1234
Wednesday, November 23 2011, 10:16PM
“youre mum and dad and me and our sons jamie and jack are guna scatter ur ashes in youre favourite place , you know where i mean and i hope youll finally be free and at peace babe xx”