THE death of a young man who was ‘at breaking point’ was deemed to be suicide, an inquest heard.

Bradley Russell Anthony Hughes, 19, died at his home address in Bangor on Dee on March 6 this year as a result of hanging.

John Gittins, senior coroner for north Wales (east and central), resumed the inquest at Denbighshire’s County Hall in Ruthin.

In a statement prepared by Bradley's mother, she described her son as ‘a man at breaking point’ who was ‘desperate for help’.

The inquest was told that Bradley struggled with mental health issues, including depression, that stemmed from his childhood.

Bradley had lived in six different foster homes before being adopted by Dianne Hughes and her husband.

Due to his difficult start in life, and the impact this had on his mental health, Bradley spent most of his childhood under child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) whilst growing up in Bangor-on-Dee.

Bradley’s mother went on to tell the inquest how, despite being ‘tortured by his mental health’ from a young age, her son enjoyed meeting others going through similar situations as himself at CAMHS sessions but ‘started a downward spiral’ upon reaching the age of 17 and starting the transition to adult mental health services.

Ms Hughes told the inquest that Bradley got on well with his therapist, but they left the role shortly before his transition and this was when times became increasingly difficult for the family.

She explained how Bradley would hide letters from the mental health team away from his family and, as Bradley was an adult, Ms Hughes had no legal rights to receive a copy of these documents.

The statement also references Bradley having problems with alcohol and cannabis use.

The inquest heard that, shortly before Bradley’s death, drug dealers arrived at the family home demanding money from him for outstanding debts.

Ms Hughes told the inquest that, on March 6, she had left the home making sure everything was locked and secure. She said she had moved the TV as she knew Bradley would steal things in order to sell them for more cannabis.

The inquest heard that people turned up at the family home for 10am and were told to leave by Bradley’s grandmother after refusing to pay any money. It was at this time the Bradley was trying to exchange a fridge for the outstanding debts.

Shortly after 11am, his uncle went to the gardens at the family home to collect some tools but noticed Bradley was hanging and called for an ambulance. Despite their best efforts, paramedics declared that Bradley had died.

Ms Hughes told the inquest that, despite previous attempts of suicide, the incident came as a complete shock to the whole family.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Mr Gittins expressed his sincere condolences to the family for the ‘terribly tragic situation’ but heard evidence from mental health professionals that it seemed nothing further could have been done to prevent Bradley’s death.

Mental health professionals at the inquest hearing agreed that plans would be put in place to begin the transition phase from youth to adult mental health services at a younger age.

Mr Gittins added that the services available and their procedures were not a 'one size fits all' case for every patient.

Speaking previously to the Leader, Ms Hughes, who runs Delta Academy of Dance and Performing Arts, said a studio and safe haven for local children to experiment with music was being set up at the company’s dance studios in Queensway, Caia Park in memory of Bradley, who was a keen singer, songwriter and rapper.

For help and support with mental health, call the Samaritans’ helpline on 116 123​.