Drama in court as woman tries to hang herself (From Sutton Guardian)
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Drama at Croydon Magistrates court as Sutton woman tries to hang herself
1:05pm Wednesday 11th July 2012 in News Exclusive By Hannah Williamson
Shan Shan Su and her partner, Derek Hoilett, held on to the woman
A woman tried to hang herself from a balcony in Croydon Magistrates Court just minutes after a court hearing.
The woman, from Sutton, made a desperate attempt to climb over the railings wearing a noose before being stopped by two good samaritans.
It is understood it is the same woman who caused chaos at Sutton station last Wednesday after threatening to kill herself on the railway platform.
The woman had to be talked down by police officers after attaching herself to a signal gantry.
In the latest incident, the 37-year-old tried to climb over the first floor railings when two other defendants, due to be sentenced for common assault, grabbed hold of her arms to try and prevent her from falling.
Shan Shan Su and her partner, Derek Hoilett, held on to the woman for about 15 seconds before she slipped from their grip and fell into the arms of waiting security guards.
Ms Su, 40, said: "The woman had drawn something on her face, like whiskers.
"She came out of the toilet and I thought 'this girl here is different'. I had a feeling something was wrong.
"Then I saw her put her leg over the balcony, I ran over and grabbed her arms. Her top split, then she slipped."
Mr Hoilett, 48, said: "It was really quick, she hadn't tied the rope properly but it did snap. It was very thin."
After she was caught, she was held down screaming by security and police officers until an ambulance crew arrived.
The woman had just her criminal case committed to Croydon Crown Court.
A barrister who witnessed the incident has called on Ms Su and Mr Hoilett to be commended for their actions.
Steven Attridge said: "I saw them run to the end of the balcony and grab hold of her.
"They then both held on to her for as long as they could - it was a good 10 to 15 seconds - by which time security had been alerted to what was going on.
"She was in the process of climbing over when they grabbed her.
"Either she would have fallen and if the rope was secure she would have hanged herself, if it wasn't she would have fallen 30 feet on to a marble floor.
"I had seen her earlier this morning, she had black marks on her face.
"They should certainly get commendations for their actions. Not many people would react in that way."
Comments(14)
David7
says...
2:13pm Wed 11 Jul 12
While it’s very difficult to deal with people who are so troubled, one has to ask how she was able to be try and take her own life again so soon.
It’s only seven days since the Sutton Station incident. The system seems to have failed her. Whoever decided she was fit enough in mind should face an inquiry.
theavengers
says...
5:30pm Wed 11 Jul 12
Imabeliever
says...
6:47pm Wed 11 Jul 12
Riazzz
says...
7:03pm Wed 11 Jul 12
Imabeliever wrote:Well said, she's playing the system trying to get off.
Very quick reactions! Equally as quick as when they kicked and punched a teacher in front of children instead of discussing things with her.
Have your say
says...
9:07pm Wed 11 Jul 12
Annon43
says...
11:21pm Wed 11 Jul 12
lordofzombies
says...
8:01am Thu 12 Jul 12
Annon43 wrote:i thought i recognised the photo from another story
Well done..... Fantastic....... What a good job they were there to save this womans life....... and why were they at court..... wasn't it to face charges for beating and abusing their childs teacher in front of a class of children!!!!
David7
says...
8:57am Thu 12 Jul 12
Have your say wrote:Have your say, you are the worst kind of troll. Sick beyond belief. You probably make jokes about gas chambers. Go away.
Hung Jury?? or was she worried about the suspended sentence that was hanging over her ....lol
Brian Sewer3
says...
10:02am Thu 12 Jul 12
Michael Pantlin
says...
11:46pm Thu 12 Jul 12
Annon43
says...
11:58pm Thu 12 Jul 12
10:02am Thu 12 Jul 12
I feel sorry 4 there kids we dont get there type down in worthing”
Really Brian!!!!!!! Maybe you should try reading your local news eh!!!! Dosn't appear to be much different from ours, 19 year old stabbed in the stomach!!! You get the same type of people everywhere, Worthing is no diferent from anywhere else and just because you live there dosn't make you any better than the people from Croydon.
Mandaman
says...
10:12pm Mon 16 Jul 12
"They should certainly get commendations for their actions. Not many people would react in that way."
Now let's try to read a bit of that again shall we (hopefully it wont be too painful for you)?
"..Not many people would react in that way."
and again!
"..Not many people would react in that way."
You see! You See! I told you they were an otherwise decent couple. Yet all I received was a barrage of negative comments mixed with spiteful vitriol right down to the suggestion that Shan Su should be sent to a mental institution and that her son should also be considered for foster care as if that would really be in the best interest of her child never mind his parents. Does a woman who selflessly, immediately runs to the aid of a stranger indicate signs of someone who is heartless and 'totally' lacking in mental stability?
In future, before you consider writing others off, rather than looking at the effect try to consider what maybe the underlying cause! Alas, people seem to be far too ready and quick to write others off for their perceived bad actions. It is high time that you begin to recognise that there is often far more to someone than the shadows that he/she may cast!
emelem
says...
10:48am Sun 22 Jul 12
people have no say in whether or not they are brought into this world so why should we have any say when they want out?
jscy1987 says...
2:05pm Wed 11 Jul 12