A TRAGIC schoolboy took his own life by falling from the roof of a supermarket car park after being bullied by classmates, an inquest heard.

Sam Abel, 14, was pronounced dead in hospital on January 8 after he fell 30ft from the top of an Asda in Worcester.

Today Worcestershire Coroners' Court heard how the pupil had been bullied for some time before his death.

However his parents were not aware of the treatment he was being subjected to at school.

Schoolmates taunted him on a school skiing trip and even punctured the tyres on his bicycle, a coroner heard.

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Text messages on Sam's phone also showed how he told people about his suicidal thoughts.

CCTV evidence shown to the coroner saw the teen arrive on his bike at the scene in January, before falling to his death just before 1pm.

Passers-by rushed to help Sam - who fell between Asda's car park and the entrance to the store - before paramedics arrived.

Medics then raced him to Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

PC Christopher McManus, of West Mercia Police, said an investigation was launched and officers spoke to mum Anita who said her son had been bullied.

He said there had been a minor argument at home on the morning of the tragedy.

PC McManus said: "He had a number of friends, but no real best friends.

"Clearly he had suicidal thoughts for some time.

"He had been rejected a number of times.

"He had been in a bad place - he had not been able to get out of this mindset."

Sam Roach, Tudor Grange Academy School principal, described the pupil as "sweet and bright", excelling in a variety of subjects.

She also said the school was working towards a culture of openness and defended how the school dealt with bullying.

Mrs Roach said: "We were unaware what was going on.

"We have a zero tolerance of bullying, once we are aware of issues.

"Children are sanctioned. We have had assemblies.

"We have a school counsellor, holding sessions at lunchtime and evenings. We did not know what was happening, when children knew.

"We have a place for children to go to staff and report it."

Worcestershire coroner Geraint Williams recorded a verdict of suicide.

After the hearing Sam's mum, Anita, 47, said: "Our beautiful boy has gone. Our lives are never going to be the same again.

"We were such a close family, he was even his dad's private skiing partner.

"On a school skiing trip he was bullied so much. He was looking forward to that trip so much.

"He was meant to be going to see his dad get a gold medal this year. He did so many things, like abseiling and zip-wiring.

"He went into high-school and was bullied again. He kept telling us he was fine. From the age of 13 he was product reviewing for companies like Amazon.

"We found out he was very clever and he was often busy studying.

"He wanted to be the next Alan Sugar. He was just amazing, he could make movies and all sorts.

"Our lives are just never ever going to be the same again.

"We are just one of the most unluckiest families.

"My husband is registered as blind and on the day of Sam's funeral I was diagnosed with an illness.

Luckily, he didn't know I was ill before he died.

"He's in a happy place now.

"We miss him so much and our lives will never be the same again."

Dad Mark Abel, 50, who served in the British Army for 14 years and competed in last years Invictus Games, said: "It could have been because he was successful at school.

"Sometimes other pupils are jealous and this can breed bullying.

"But we'll never be entirely sure because he only really spoke to his friends about it. but I know pranks were pulled on him that were particularly cruel.

"I just hope these bullies can live with the regret. They've torn this family apart. I don't think people know the effect it has on the people it leaves behind.

"We want to express our thanks to the paramedics, the police for their investigation, the support of the school and his friends.

"I was abroad on a Paralympic ski meeting at the time I found out.

"I got a phone call just after I landed from my daughter, Sophie.

"He went out having after having a minor argument with his mum.

"His mum told him to be mindful and be back for one for lunch.

"Anita rang his mobile and a paramedic answered and said that he had been involved in an accident.

"We used to go skiing as a family, because obviously I can't go skiing by myself so Sam used to come out and guide me.

"I will miss him dearly."

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123 or 020 7734 2800.

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