Penzance inquest hears family struggles for mental health support

An inquest has commenced into the death of Kainan Dayus, a 28-year-old man from Penzance known as ‘Kain Kernow’. During the first day of proceedings, his family described feeling ‘so helpless’ in their attempts to secure adequate mental health support for him.

Dayus had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and suffered from intrusive homicidal thoughts and physical distress. His mother, Michaela, testified that she faced frustration with professionals who dismissed his symptoms as mere personality traits. She noted that while seeking help, the family was frequently passed between police and medical services.

Kainan Dayus took his own life at the Penzance promenade on June 11, 2024. Assistant coroner Emma Hillson is expected to continue the case.