Ingleton woman who tried to jump off Carnforth bridge sentenced (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Ingleton woman who tried to jump off Carnforth bridge sentenced

2:57pm Tuesday 4th August 2009 in

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A WOMAN who caused severe delays and immense distress to motorists by attempting to jump off a motorway bridge has received a conditional discharge.

Melanie Jane Tyson, 40, of Croft Close, Ingleton, attempted suicide from the bridge at junction 36 on the M6, near Carnforth, four times between February 13 and July 13.

On each occasion police, fire crews, paramedics and the highway agency attended the scene and both carriageways of the motorway had to be closed.

Lisa O’Loughlin, prosecuting, described how Tyson had sat on the railings with her legs dangling over the motorway, causing great concern to passing motorists.

“Members of the public also risked their lives by running into the lanes of live traffic to get cars to slow down in case she decided to jump,” she added.

Magistrates at Kendal heard how Tyson, who pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance to the public, had suffered from post traumatic stress since her husband’s death three years ago and had contemplated suicide as a means of reuniting with him.

Mitigating, Rachel Broughton said Tyson was ‘very remorseful’ for the distress she had caused and the expense and inconvenience of a multi-agency approach.

“This is clearly an extremely sad case,” she said. “Mrs Tyson had a very close relationship with her husband and has felt at a loss since his death as to who can provide the emotional help and stability she needs. She doesn’t want to die she wants help but she hasn’t been able to access the help she feels she requires.”

Miss Broughton said Tyson found it hard to connect with healthcare professionals but, following her preliminary court appearance on July 14, had made contact with MIND -a mental health charity in Kendal.

“The whole court process and prison process has had a huge impact on this lady,” said Miss Broughton.

“She has found it extremely distressing and just the prospect of having a criminal conviction is sufficient to have a long lasting affect on her.

"She is not in need of punishment she has punished herself enough in relation to this matter.”

Tyson was given a conditional discharge for a period of two years and was ordered to pay £60 costs.”