A 'vulnerable' teenager took her own life after alleging she was raped at her workplace, an inquest has heard. Lauren Hewson, 18, first attempted suicide on her 18th birthday after reporting she had been sexually assaulted and raped by a former staff member while working as an apprentice at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Family Condemns Investigation Closure
Lauren's family has described the closure of the Cumbria Police investigation as a 'huge miscarriage of justice'. Police confirmed that a 30-year-old man was arrested and released on bail, but no charges were brought because the case did not meet the evidential threshold. The inquest at Cumbria Coroner's Court heard that Lauren joined BAE Systems in 2023 and initially flourished, but her behaviour changed dramatically in June 2025.
Sister's Account
Bethany Hewson, Lauren's sister, told the inquest: 'She started to isolate herself, she would shut herself in her bedroom, refuse to come out, and wouldn't engage in conversation. She let go of her appearance and started to lose weight quite drastically.' Lauren subsequently told her family she had been abused, and police were notified.
On July 28, 2025, her 18th birthday, Lauren attempted to take her own life and was admitted to Royal Lancaster Infirmary. She was discharged after stating she did not intend to harm herself further. A week later, she was found unresponsive in her bedroom and declared dead by emergency responders.
Coroner's Ruling
Assistant coroner Robert Cohen ruled that Lauren intentionally died by suicide. He noted: 'Lauren went on to make very serious allegations, and it is also right to record the family's position that had it not been for those incidents, Lauren would not have died.'
Her mother, Helen Bamber, said in a statement: 'Lauren believed her life had been ruined, she just could not see a way out, but she was a strong, determined girl.'
BAE Systems Response
A BAE Systems spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts and condolences remain with Lauren's family and everyone impacted by her tragic death. The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is our highest priority and we have rigorous safeguarding procedures in place to support and protect our apprentices. These are regularly reviewed to ensure they align with regulatory guidance and are benchmarked against best practice, as we strive to make colleagues feel safe and supported. We take any allegation of misconduct seriously and investigate thoroughly, while supporting those affected and taking appropriate action as necessary.'
Police Statement
A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: 'Cumbria Police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of rape on July 29, 2025. The arrested man was interviewed and released on police bail. Detectives continued with their investigation, both prior to and following the death of Lauren Hewson. Earlier this month, officers informed the family that the investigation has concluded and the case did not meet the evidential threshold for charges.'
Bethany Hewson added: 'What we are feeling at the minute is a huge miscarriage of justice, not only legally in terms of the perpetrator walking free, but by the failings of her employer to protect a vulnerable young girl - she was still a child.'
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website.
