Whistle-Blower commits suicide

A father-of-two was found hanging in his garage after whistleblowing about alleged exam cheating at his college.


Leigh Wilde, from Offerton, went to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) after noticing discrepancies in test results at the Openshaw campus of Manchester College, where he worked as a lecturer.

As part of his role verifying exams, the 45-year-old believed staff were fraudulently taking tests for his students to improve their marks, an inquest heard.

However the 'humble and very moral' father-of-two, who also served as a mechanic in the RAF, was said to be 'devastated' after being suspended escorted from the premises one week later.


The reason for his suspension was not made clear until three days later on March 16, 2017, when he received a letter from the college.

He hanged himself in his garage the same day, the inquest heard.

The contents of the suspension letter were not revealed in court but after the inquest his wife Carol revealed it contained accusations of bullying and harassment.

Mr Wilde's family say the complaints were 'unfounded' and 'completely without substance'.

His wife Carol claimed the college 'fatally' failed in its duty of care, adding: 'They are the only people to blame, we were a lovely happy family until the beginning of 2017.

'Leigh was a lovely dad and a generous, kind man who helped a lot of people. He was quiet, humble and very moral.'

Mr Wilde had reported his concerns to professional body the Institute of the Motor Industry in a 'whistleblowing capacity' on February 15 which began an investigation.

He is also said to have reported the allegations to the college's HR department although managers told the hearing they could find no record of this.

The following week he was suspended and escorted from the premises, which his family said left him distraught and led to his death.