Darlington college where student died sent threat, inquest told

Staff at a sixth form college where a high-functioning autistic student took his own life have faced online threats, an inquest has heard.

Sam Coutts, 18, was found dead at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, in January, following a meeting with the vice-principal about social media posts in which he expressed he had a crush on his support worker.

Coroner Crispin Oliver told Sam’s parents staff from the college would not be at the hearing for safety reasons and proposed they instead give their evidence remotely.

He explained the college had received an email on Monday from “an unknown person claiming to be part of some sort of group” in which a threat was made.

He said: “I have read this email – a very real physical threat was made to the safety of the college staff and representatives.”

The coroner said he was minded to allow college staff to give their evidence remotely and Sam’s mother Kirsten Coutts agreed.

Oliver said security at the college had been stepped up, the police were aware and the threat was not directed to students.

Sam took his own life in toilets at the college where he headed immediately after a meeting about posts he made on Reddit.

Vice-principal Theresa Amarawansa said Sam had not expressed thoughts of self-harm at the meeting.

His body was found about three hours later.