A TEENAGE boy’s death was “a cry for help” that went wrong, his mother has told an inquest.

Kristina Wray believes her 14-year-old son Derek Brundrett never intended to take his own life.

Derek was found hanging from a tree at Pembroke School in December 12, 2013.

He was discovered by fellow pupils in a wooded area, just 50 yards away from the school reception.

An inquest into Derek’s death started at County Hall, Haverfordwest, on Monday (October 9).

Over the next three weeks, Paul Bennett - deputy coroner for Swansea – will hear evidence from the police, county council, health board, and Derek's family, in a bid to determine how and why the boy died.

Despite appearing to be a happy young man, Derek was often aggressive, and spent time in foster care as a result.

Derek also struggled at school, and was moved to Neyland Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), before returning to Pembroke School in September 2013 to sit his GCSEs.

Mrs Wray said she made several attempt to get her son referred to CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services), but was told Derek’s mental health issues were not sufficient to warrant one.

Reports by social services recorded Derek did not want to engage with school councillors, and “did not trust anyone”.

Concerns had also been raised about Derek’s inability to show emotions.

His mother said she also struggled to get him to open up about his feelings.

“You had to guess and figure out why he was upset," she said.

The night before his death, Derek phoned his mother in tears - a show of emotion Mrs Wray said was uncharacteristic of her son.

Derek – who was due to return home the following weekend following a further period in care - told her he did not want to go back to school, and wanted to return to the PRU instead.

Mrs Wray told Derek not to worry, and said they could discuss the issue later.

But Derek kept saying: “You don’t understand, you don’t get me at all”, she said.

At around 12.30pm the next day, Derek was told to leave a science class after refusing to remove a hoodie, which was not part of his uniform.

He walked around the school for around an hour, before going outside to the wooded area, popular with students who smoked.

He was found at around 1.30pm.

A post mortem examination found injuries consistent pressure on the neck caused by a ligature.

Superficial cuts, typical of self-harm, were also found on Derek's left arm.

The inquest continues.

If you are struggling with your feelings, you can find help and advice by visiting youngminds.org.uk. You can also talk to some in confidence at any time by calling Samaritans on 116 123.