Inquest told boy, 12, was 'upbeat' before death

The inquest heard Riley Townsend was "looking forward" to starting at Ashfield School

A 12-year-old boy who took his own life was "upbeat" and "looking forward" to starting at a new school before his death, an inquest has heard.

Riley Townsend, from Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, died on 1 September 2024 after struggling with his mental health for several years.

Nottingham Coroner's Court heard that Riley was due to start a new term at Ashfield School on 3 September 2024 following a managed move from Quarrydale Academy, where he was "unsettled".

Nottinghamshire assistant coroner Amanda Bewley told the inquest that it seemed Riley's actions took "everybody by surprise".

The coroner's court was told that Emma Murphy, a social worker at Nottinghamshire County Council, was allocated to Riley in April 2024, after a referral was made from school about concerns regarding child criminal exploitation.

The inquest heard this took place after Riley's mum had spoken to Quarrydale Academy about concerns over who he was associating with in the community.

The coroner's court was told he had been offered money to harm another person, was physically violent towards his parents, and had set fire to his bedroom twice.

Ms Murphy said he was "struggling" within the family and added: "I know parents were putting in place boundaries but that's not something that was always being accepted by Riley."

On 25 April 2024, Ms Murphy said she had a one-to-one conversation with Riley at school, where he told her: "I can see they [my family] love me and look out for me."

In May 2024, Ms Murphy said Riley's mum had told her she thought he was "doing well" and was going to start attending army cadets.

Ms Murphy said social care involvement at that point was closed as the service was satisfied risks had been addressed and there were no concerns about parenting.

Assistant coroner Amanda Bewley asked Ms Murphy whether she had concerns that Riley had suicidal thoughts.

"No, none whatsoever," Ms Murphy said.

'Really positive'

The inquest heard Riley was allocated a social worker on 13 August 2024 after he attempted, but was stopped, from taking a knife out of the family home after he was threatened by other young people.

Bethany Poole, a social worker in the Ashfield safeguarding team, said she visited the family home and spoke to Riley's mum, who raised concerns about his "escalating" behaviour in the home.

She told the inquest she also spoke with Riley, who said he was "looking forward" to his move to Ashfield School and did not want to get "involved with the wrong crowd".

Then, on 29 August 2024, Ms Poole said she organised a same-day visit after Riley's mum texted her to say she was "worried" about Riley, who had started to self harm.

Ms Poole told the court she spoke to Riley, who she said seemed in a more "upbeat mood" than when she last spoke to him on 15 August.

She added she could see "superficial cuts" on his arms but "nothing significant" to warrant a call to police or the ambulance service.

When she questioned him on what led to him self-harming, he said he was "just being stupid", and "didn't mean anything by it".

The inquest heard that when he was asked if he had plans to self-harm again, he said he did not.

Ms Poole added that Riley was "really positive" about the move to Ashfield School and wanted to make friends.

She said he was "laughing and making jokes", and that she had arranged to meet Riley the following week, when he was due to start at Ashfield School.

The inquest continues.

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