Distraught teen had wanted job in police
A TROUBLED teenager found dead in his room overdosing on caffeine.
Damian Szarach, 17, bought 1kg of the stimulant online for £28 which he had delivered to his friend’s home.
He had claimed it was a protein stimulant.
But an inquest heard “planned his own death”.
He was found with nearly four times the lethal dose in his blood and white powder on his face and body.
And in a suicide note, Damian said he decided to take the drastic action because a sexual harm prevention order made in 2013 meant he could not pursue his dream of becoming a police officer.
Damian was found dead at children’s home where he lived Hayling Island, Hants.
At the time the emergency services, including specialist firefighters in was after he had a in hazard protection suits, rushed to the scene and shut off part of the street over fears of a chemical substance.
Lauren Fenton, team leader at the Poppy Lodge home, called Damian a lovely boy, adding: “He was very funny, he had goals.
“He wanted to work in the police. He was saving up for a car, and would always ask the carers to help him find cars he could buy.
“Damian was a big brother figure to the rest of the boys at the lodge as he had been there the longest.”
In his note Damian said he loved his family, including his grandmother who lives in Poland.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Portsmouth coroner Lincoln Brookes said: “There is clear evidence that Damian took his own life.
“The strongest evidence lies with his note explaining that this was a rational decision.
“He said he could no longer live with the restrictions of the sexual harm prevention order.”
● If you need someone to talk to, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.