The security of a Royal Navy ship has been brought into question after a naval officer was found dead in the early hours of the morning after accessing the armoury whilst in port.

Jon Errington Paxton, 38, died from a gunshot wound to the head on April 19, 2023, on board HMS Cattistock, an inquest has heard.

Conducting a pre-hearing review on Tuesday, coroner Chris Wilkinson said the ship was docked in Portsmouth Naval Base when the incident took place.

Mr Paxton, of Broadwalk Way, Marchwood, was found dead by fellow navy personal at around 3.45am on April 19 with a gunshot wound to the head.

He said the full inquest needs to address “Jon’s ability to gain access to the armoury by the keys” adding that there are “security issues” around “firearm ammunitions” aboard the ship.

Crew came aboard in early April 2023 as well as weapons and ammunition, the inquest heard.

Mr Wilkinson added: “I think it (HMS Cattistock) had various work that needed undertaking.

“Individuals were being accommodated in quarters that were slightly different at the time than they would have been if the ship was in service.”

Reading evidence, he said: “Paxton had a preliminary hearing in relation to charges he was facing.”

The charges relate to September 2022, although further details were not heard.

The coroner added that there were “time delays in ambulance and police being able to gain access to the base".

“On this occasion, 999 was called from a cell phone by one of the crew aboard HMS Cattistock,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Mr Paxton, from Southampton, had been employed as a Petty Officer by the Royal Navy at the time of his death.

He had been going through a divorce, the inquest heard.

His father, Jon Paxton Sr, told the inquest: “I am not really sure if he got the support he deserved or required at the time.

“He probably presented as being a typical man. Not wanting to put anyone to any bother and trying to sort it all out himself.

“He was worried but not unduly worried. I still think he should have had a bit more support from the Navy for his mental health.”

Mr Paxton also referenced an incident aboard the same ship in 2010 when engineering technician Samuel Hatton shot himself while in port at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Mr Hatton, 20, killed himself with a rifle leading to coroner David Horsley raising concerns over a similar situation in the future.

The Royal Navy said it had reviewed and enhanced its safety procedures following the 2010 death.

Jon’s former wife, Varity Paxton added: “I would like to be involved in that because of the children.

“Hopefully we would look at events before that as well during our divorce.

“Because there is a lot of history before that in terms of suicidal tendencies.”

The coroner said Jon had contact with the Royal Navy’s mental health service but was discharged in January 2023.

On Jon’s account on X, formerly Twitter, he describes himself as “Scottish, Sailor, Rugby Players”.

In a Facebook post following his death, Tottonians RFC said: “It is with the deepest sadness that the club has lost one of its most charismatic players who sadly passed away yesterday Jon Errington Paxton “Paxo” will be sadly missed by so many especially his 3 children, family and friends he was 39 and was still serving in the Royal Navy.

“Sleep well my friend from all at Tottonians Rugby Club RI”

The hearing was adjourned to a date to be confirmed.