In a rare move, a coroner has allowed evidence in an inquest involving a self-inflicted death to be reported because the man's family wanted it made public.
Dr Murray Jamieson said it was unusual for a family to want publicity but congratulated them on taking the stance in
the hope some "good could come out of the death of a much-loved son".
Shane Fisher, 26, died at his family home in May 2006 after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. He became mentally ill soon after the death of his brother Glen, who died of blood poisoning caused by meningococcal disease.
On May 20, 2006, Mr Fisher left the Auckland mental health unit, Te Whetu Tawera, and walked the short distance to his parents' home. He was later found dead there by a younger brother.
His mother, Sally Fisher, represented herself at the Auckland District Court hearing. She said it was a failure of the hospital to allow him to leave the unit without notifying her or her husband.
However, the Auckland District Health Board said that was not standard procedure.
Mrs Fisher told the inquest she had been phoned by the hospital when her son had been coming home on leave in the past but that had not happened on the day he died.
She had been worried about the risk of suicide if he was at home because she knew he would be there alone during the day.
She also demanded answers on what she said was inadequate note-taking - including whether a risk assessment was done before he went home.
Dr Jamieson reserved his decision.
