A TEENAGER with a history of self-harm was found dead in his garden by his mother, an inquest heard.

Jordan Freemantle, a pupil at Hounsdown School in Totton, was discovered in his back garden on the morning of April 17.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard that after waking up and finding him hanged in the garden, his mother Katy ran out and cut him down.

She called for an ambulance but paramedics found he had already died.

The inquest heard that the 16-year-old, of Ringwood Road, Totton, had a history of self-harm and, according to his former girlfriend, had tried to commit suicide twice before.

Jordan had not been receiving professional help despite his grandmother Pauline raising concerns with his GP.

The inquest heard that Jordan had been in a turbulent relationship, which had ended in February, and had a two-year history of aggressive behaviour, according to doctor Mary Anne Falle.

Mr Freemantle’s grandfather Alan Freemantle, who lived with Jordan, along with his grandmother and mother, told the inquest via a police statement that he had struggled following the death of a Hounsdown PE teacher in March.

As previously reported, Michael Jeffery, who was described as “amazing and inspirational” by colleagues, was found slumped on the sofa of his Southampton home after taking his own life.

However, senior coroner Grahame Short ruled that this was not the trigger for Mr Freemantle’s death, and the inquest heard that he did not take up grief counselling at the school.

The inquest also heard a statement from his former girlfriend who described him as “so caring and kind towards others”.

Pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri confirmed that Jordan died as a result of hanging, but also revealed evidence was found of recent cannabis use.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, the coroner, Mr Short, said: “He was clearly not finding school easy.

“He often became emotional... drugs may well have affected his mental balance.

“Jordan was very much focused on [his] relationship and the agreement to end it. It wasn’t clear whether he accepted the relationship was at an end.

“I do not believe his family had any inkling.

“However, I believe that with the benefit of hindsight, the signs were there.”