Final farewell for much loved journalist Russell Joslin

A Requiem Mass was held at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10am.

“Much loved” Russel, formerly of High Street, Kenilworth alledgedly took his own life after suffering from ongoing mental health issues.

He was hit by a bus on Friday morning and admitted to a mental health hospital in Warwick. He died from asphyxiation three days later after suffocating on a plastic bag.

His father, Peter Joslin, former chief constable at Warwickshire police, from told the Kenilworth Weekly News: “Our family is devastated to lose our eldest son at such an early age.

“The reaction of his colleagues and all who knew him is indicative of how well he was loved and respected not just in Kenilworth, but throughout the county in which he worked as a journalist.”

An inquest into the death of the 50-year-old South Warwickshire broadcaster was opened and adjourned for a date to be fixed at the Warwickshire Justice Centre today (Thursday October 25).

Coroners Officer, Sally Hunt, spoke at the inquest to confirm that a post mortem had been carried out and preliminary information from the pathologist showed death by asphyxiation from a plastic bag in Mr Joslin’s airway.

Coroner Sean McGovern said: “I offer my condolences to his family, particularly his parents who are aware of today’s hearing.”

THE BBC will hold an inquiry into allegations that the former reporter suffered sexual harassment at the hands of a female colleague and that his complaints were ignored.

They confirmed that an external person will oversee an inquiry into how complaints made by Mr Joslin over an alleged sexual harassment by a female colleague were handled.

Just days before his death, Joslin reportedly told friends in the media that he was being repeatedly ignored by his BBC bosses over claims he was being harassed by a former female colleague.

Russell believed she had harassed and bullied him after he spurned her sexual advances.

The BBC said in a statement: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Russell Joslin’s family at this sad time. This is a difficult time for everyone who knew him.

“The BBC is committed to working constructively with the family to ensure that their concerns are vigourously addressed.

“It would not be appropriate to comment further until the facts are established.”