Parents demand answers over death of Megan Evans

The family of Megan Evans, pictured, have demanded answers from her school over bullying claims before her death aged 14

The heartbroken parents of a bullied teenage girl who ‘was driven to suicide by cruel Snapchat taunts’ are demanding answers from her school, an inquest heard.

Megan Evans, 14, was allegedly bullied on the social media app in the weeks leading up to her tragic death.

The family have also asked to see CCTV footage which may show an alleged assault on the teenager by a male teacher the gates of Milford Haven School, Pembrokeshire, Wales. 

Dyfed-Powys Police investigated the incident but said there was insufficient evidence to take any further action.

But solicitor Kirsten Heaven, representing the family at the hearing, said the family should be allowed to see it and questioned whether the school had kept the recording.

She said: ‘Who viewed it? It seems to have just disappeared.’

Mrs Heaven added there were ‘long-standing concerns’ about what was happening between Megan and the member of staff.

A police spokesman said: ‘Dyfed-Powys Police has investigated an allegation of assault against a 14-year-old girl in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. 

‘A full investigation has been carried out and there was insufficient evidence to support any kind of prosecution. This information has been shared with the family.’ 

But her parents were never told she was offered counselling in school and issued with a ‘time-out’ pass when she was struggling to cope in class.

Parents Nicola Harteveld and Shaun Evans had even consulted a solicitor four days before her death over the ‘extreme’ situation.

The inquest heard Megan died at her home in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, in February last year.

The inquest heard evidence retrieved by police from Megan’s phone could be made available for the hearing.

The family are trying to get data held by social media giant Snapchat – but were warned it was unlikely the company will agree.

Coroner Paul Bennett said: ‘I just don’t think you’re going to get it.’ 

An inquest hearing was told she was bullied over Snapchat while police also investigated an alleged assault against her at school by a male member of staff

An inquest hearing was told she was bullied over Snapchat while police also investigated an alleged assault against her at school by a male member of staff

The school, pictured, and local council are not commenting on the assault allegation because the inquest has not concluded but police said there was insufficient evidence to take action

The school, pictured, and local council are not commenting on the assault allegation because the inquest has not concluded but police said there was insufficient evidence to take action

Witnesses expected to be called when the inquest resumes include members of Megan’s Snapchat group and staff at the school.

Speaking after her death, Ms Harteveld, of Milford Haven, said: ‘Be careful what you say, words can’t be taken back.

‘They may seem trivial or may be said in anger or jest, but they can’t be taken back.

‘You don’t know how that person will take it so be mindful of someone else’s situation.

‘I don’t want her death to be in vain. I want to raise awareness to parents to keep an eye out for the signs. I just had no idea.’

The inquest in Milford Haven was adjourned for another hearing to be held in three months. 

  • For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.  



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