A BRIGHT prize-winning Worcester teenager who was bullied killed himself by jumping from the roof of a city centre car park, an inquest heard.

Sam Abel, a pupil of Tudor Grange Academy School, shared with friends his depression and suicidal thoughts in the lead up to the tragic events that took place on Sunday, January 8, Worcestershire Coroners Court heard.

PC Christopher McManus told the inquest CCTV evidence showed the 14-year-old had arrived on his bike and went to the eighth floor of the car park.

PC McManus said a witness saw the teenager in dark clothing stood on the wall on the outside of the building, before jumping at around 12.50pm.

The tragic moment was caught on CCTV, with the teenager falling between Asda’s car park and the entrance to the store, in Silver Street.

Passers-by rushed to his aid before paramedics arrived and discovered he had serious head injuries. He was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

PC McManus said a police investigation was launched and officers spoke to the teenager's mum, Anita, who said her son had been bullied.

Messages sent from the boy's phone showed he had told other pupils he had nearly killed himself on New Year's Eve, and he had also researched tall buildings in the city.

PC McManus added there had been a minor argument at home on the morning of the tragedy.

"He had a number of friends, but no real best friends," Mr McManus said.

"Clearly he had suicidal thoughts for some time.

"He had been rejected a number of times.

"He had been in a bad place - he had not been able to get out of this mindset."

Sam Roach, Tudor Grange's principal, described the pupil as sweet and bright, excelling in a variety of subjects, but said he had kept switching friendship groups.

She spoke about bullying incidents that they had investigated in the past, including on a school skiing trip.

Worcestershire coroner Geraint Williams questioned the principal at length on school procedures.

Mrs Roach defended how the school dealt with bullying.

"We were unaware what was going on," she said.

"We have a zero tolerance of bullying, once we are aware of issues.

"Children are sanctioned. We have had assemblies.

"We have a school counsellor, holding sessions at lunchtime and evenings."

Mr Williams recorded a verdict of suicide, saying he was satisfied there was compelling evidence the teenager had intended to kill himself, and offering his condolences to the family.

After the inquest Mark Abel, the teenager's dad, said: "We want to express our thanks to the paramedics, the police for their investigation, the support of the school and his friends."

Mrs Roach told the Worcester News the school was working towards a culture of openness.

"We did not know what was happening, when children knew," Mrs Roach said.

"We have a place for children to go to staff and report it."

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