Teen’s suicide after train fine

A TEENAGER who was worried about going to prison after being fined £600 for an unpaid rail journey was found hanged.

Jamie Coulthard, right, was also struggling to find a job, an inquest heard.

The 19-year-old, was found at home in Chorley, Lancashire, by his mother Tracy Woodcock in March. He is thought to have travelled without a ticket on a Northern Rail train. The firm’s role was not criticised at the inquest.

Mr Coulthard attended a court hearing for the offence but it was adjourned. He failed to turn up the next time and was handed the largest possible fine in his absence, Preston Coroner’s Court heard.

The fine increased after warning letters were sent to the wrong address. ‘He really thought that he was going to have to go to prison and he was upset by it,’ Miss Woodcock said. Area coroner Richard Taylor recorded a conclusion of suicide.