A TEENAGER found hanged in the grounds of Pembroke School might have been helped by an assessment into his emotional and mental health, an inquest has heard.

Derek Brundrett, 14, who was found at Pembroke School in December 2013, may have had ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), the inquest heard.

The on-going inquest has previously heard he was discovered by fellow pupils in a wooded area, just 50 yards away from the school reception.

Mum Kristina Wray believes he never intended to take his own life.

Despite appearing to be a happy young man, Derek was often aggressive, and spent time in foster care as a result.

Derek also struggled at school, and was moved to Neyland Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), before returning to Pembroke School in September 2013 to sit his GCSEs.

Mrs Wray said she made several attempts to get her son referred to CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services), but was told Derek’s mental health issues were not sufficient to warrant one.

Reports by social services recorded Derek did not want to engage with school councillors, and “did not trust anyone”.

Concerns had also been raised about Derek’s inability to show emotions.

His mother said she also struggled to get him to open up about his feelings.

“You had to guess and figure out why he was upset," she said.

The night before his death, Derek phoned his mother in tears - a show of emotion Mrs Wray said was uncharacteristic of her son.

Derek – who was due to return home the following weekend following a further period in care - told her he did not want to go back to school, and wanted to return to the PRU instead.

Mrs Wray told Derek not to worry, and said they could discuss the issue later.

But Derek kept saying: “You don’t understand, you don’t get me at all”, she said.

At around 12.30pm the next day, Derek was told to leave a science class after refusing to remove a hoodie, which was not part of his uniform.

He walked around the school for around an hour, before going outside to the wooded area, popular with students who smoked.

He was found at around 1.30pm.

A post mortem examination found injuries consistent pressure on the neck caused by a ligature.

Superficial cuts, typical of self-harm, were also found on Derek's left arm.

At last week’s hearing, child psychiatrist Dr Audrey Oppenheim said an assessment and diagnosis may have helped him in the short-term.

She said, more should have been done by CAMHS when concerns about self-harm were raised.

The inquest has previously heard from CAMHS boss Angela Lodwick that it had to "prioritise children with severe mental health disorders".

Dr Oppenheim said: "I find it difficult to understand how any referral that contains any mention of self-harm was not flagged as urgent.

"A therapist raised concerns about Derek's thoughts of self-harm and suicidal intent on several occasions.

"There are very real indications that a psychiatric assessment should have been taken.

"When we have a recommendation about self-harm we would always do an assessment."

The inquest at Swansea Civic Centre continues.