No bullying evidence in girl's death, says coroner

There is "no evidence" a 14-year-old girl who took her life in 2017 was bullied online, a coroner has found.

Megan Evans, 14, was found dead at her home in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, and it was alleged that she had been bullied on social media sites, including Snapchat, by other pupils and young people.

An inquest at Pembrokeshire County Hall found "nothing to suggest targeted abuse" towards Megan in school or online.

Coroner Paul Bennett concluded the cause of her death was suicide.

The inquest heard that Megan was left with three siblings in their home while their parents travelled to Cardiff on the evening of 7 February, 2017.

It was previously told that Megan was "picked on" by staff at Milford Haven School because of her incorrect school uniform.

Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld also claimed that the school did not deal with the "warning signs" that Megan’s mood was deteriorating.

Mr Bennett told the inquest that "Megan was not treated differently to any other pupil" when it came to issues surrounding her school uniform.

He added that there was "ample evidence" the school had implemented policies to prevent and raise awareness of bullying, including assemblies and "bully buttons" where pupils could anonymously report bullying.

Megan’s family and friends told the inquest they believed she was "picked away at" by Mark Styles, who was responsible for behavioural management at the time.

Mr Bennett said in his conclusion that despite the evidence of Megan’s best friend, Chloe Boswell, he "did not believe this to be the case".

On the issue of online bullying the coroner said it was "difficult to recognise distinction between matters that occurred inside and outside of school".

He added that children and young people had "different perceptions of bullying".

Mr Bennett said in his experience phrases such as "go kill yourself" were in "regular use" online.

He said the phrase could be perceived in different ways: "What may be bullying to one could be banter to another."

He also said that it was a "fundamental difficulty" that Megan did not tell any of her closest friends that she was struggling.

Many witnesses said throughout the inquest that she appeared "bubbly" leading up to her death and was looking forward to a school trip to France.

Mr Bennet concluded that there were other issues worrying Megan at the time of her death.

"Megan was troubled by concern of her father’s illness and arguments with other children that her boyfriend was being unfaithful."

He said that the way in which Megan’s body was found showed a "determination" on her part not to be found quickly or interrupted, and her decision was not because of "bullying or use of social media".

After his conclusion Mr Bennett addressed Megan’s family who attended every day of the inquest.

He said, "I’d like to say how sorry I am that Megan died in the circumstances she did."

He also apologised for the "time it’s taken to reach this stage".