By GLEN KEOGH, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Published: | Updated:
An autistic teenager took his own life in the toilets of his sixth form college after being told his support worker would be changed because he had a ‘crush’ on her, an inquest has heard.
Sam Coutts, 18, was found dead at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, in January, following a meeting with the vice principal about social media posts he had made regarding the support worker.
Sam, who was said to be highly-functioning, was studying A-levels in psychology, applied science and biology and hoped to win a place at York St John University.
But he was concerned about his autism and was assigned support worker Lauren Crosby when he began feeling ‘isolated’ while studying.
Miss Crosby, 11 years his senior, later found posts on social media platform Reddit made by Sam in which he talked about her.
He also sent her an email on Christmas Day with a link to the Mariah Carey hit All I Want For Christmas Is You.
A meeting was arranged on January 13 in which Sam was told his support worker would be changed.
Prior to the meeting, Sam told his mother, Kirsten, he felt embarrassed and ashamed.
Sam Coutts, 18, was found dead in the toilets of his sixth form college in Darlington, County Durham, in January
His body wasn't found for three hours. Emergency services were then called to the college
He asked her if the Reddit posts made him seem 'creepy and weird' and she reassured him that they did not, saying they had been respectful.
CCTV showed he went straight from the meeting to the toilets where his body was found three hours later by the college principal.
At an inquest in Crook, County Durham, on Monday, Ms Coutts said the college ‘failed completely in their duty of care.’
In a statement, summarised by coroner Crispin Oliver, the hospital nurse said: ‘The college did not care appropriately and acceptably for my son.
‘The college let him go off alone despite me sharing my concerns.
‘They didn't notice for three hours despite him being marked absent in class.
‘There was little or no understanding of his ability to mask [his autism] and it was completely ignored.’
Vicky Wilkinson, head of learning support at the college, accepted the decision to remove Miss Crosby as Sam’s support worker would have been ‘uncomfortable’ but said there was no other option.
‘I don't accept I invited a risk to his wellbeing, the priority was Lauren's safety as well as protecting Sam,’ she said.
‘At the time I feel like we did enough. The only alternative would have been to keep Lauren in place and that was not an option.
‘The wording on the Reddit posts left us with significant concerns.’
In her statement, Ms Coutts said Sam was a ‘loyal and loving’ boy who enjoyed boxing, DIY with dad Matthew and travelling.
She said: ‘Sam was a loving, kind, gentle and erudite son. He could always find something funny in every situation.
‘Sam stated that 2026 was going to be his year. I just wanted him to be happy. Sam has left the hugest hole in our lives.
‘I am just glad he was mine.’
The inquest continues.
For confidential support, call Samaritans for free on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support