A HAMPSHIRE mum has called for a review of mental health services after her son committed suicide by walking in front of a train.

Anthony Lamont was killed instantly after being hit by a train travelling at 85mph through Mottisfont and Dunbridge station on November 30 last year.

An inquest at Winchester Coroner’s Court heard that the 24-year-old had been hearing voices in his head telling him to harm people for a number of years.

Anthony, known as Ant, who had a history of involvement with psychiatrists, was assessed by a consultant psychiatrist at the Royal South Hants Hospital the month before he died on October 14.

He told Dr Paul Courtney that he had tried to hang himself in the New Forest two weeks earlier and that he had an image in his head that he was standing over a body with a knife in his hand. The consultant said he did not have a mental illness but was “very immature”.

The court also heard Anthony had taken drugs since the age of 17 and had also been prescribed anti-depressants and anti-psychotics.

In a statement, Julie Lamont called for more help for people with mental health problems.

She said: “Hampshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has nothing to be proud of when young men and women – and those in middle years and older – continue to find, like my darling son, that the only way they can deal with their broken minds is to take their own lives.” The inquest heard that Anthony had been living at the Salvation Army hostel in Oxford Street, Southampton when he died. He had left a note saying “Sorry mum” as well as Christmas presents for his grandparents, mum and brother Matthew.

Anthony walked in front of a train at a foot crossing at Kimbridge, close to the Mottisfont and Dunbridge train station.

The inquest heard how Anthony, who attended West Tytherley and Test Valley schools, had volunteered at charities including the Rose Road Association.

It was this role that secured Anthony, from Lockerley, near Romsey, a Young Volunteer of the Year award from Eastleigh Borough Council in 2003.

Simon Burge, deputy coroner for central Hampshire, said: “It’s a very tragic and unnecessary death as he had a lot to live for and people who cared for him and were there to support him.”

A jury at the inquest recorded a verdict of suicide.