A 14-year-old boy found hanged at his school endured 'horrific' bullying before his death, his father has told an inquest. Bradley John died after being discovered in a toilet block at St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School in Llanelli in September 2018.
Byron John told the four-day inquest at Llanelli Town Hall that his son, who had ADHD, was bullied at two different secondary schools. Bradley had initially attended Amman Valley Comprehensive, where he became 'withdrawn' as older pupils sought to provoke him. He left after his school clothes were scattered around the grounds and other bullying incidents.
At St John Lloyd, Bradley suffered further bullying on the school bus, where his clothing went missing and he was beaten up. His mobile phone was stolen and smashed. Family friend Stephanie Bonwell said Bradley was bullied 'because of his riding' and felt teachers 'didn't care and didn't do anything'.
Despite the challenges, Mr John said his son was 'probably at his most confident' between July and September 2018, enjoying a family holiday and planning to attend equestrian college. On the morning of his death, Bradley had asked for petrol for his quadbike and seemed 'on the up'.
Head teacher Ashley Howells called Mr John to say Bradley had 'tried to take his own life'. Mr John rushed to Morriston Hospital, pleading with his son: 'I said don't stop. I just wanted him to move or open his eyes.' The inquest continues.
