My 11-year-old son hanged himself after becoming addicted to energy drinks, claims father

By Lucy Ballinger
Last updated at 1:18 AM on 08th May 2009

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Lee Johns said his son Tyler was a happy-go-lucky boy until he developed a taste for the stimulating drinks

A boy of 11 hanged himself after energy drinks changed his behaviour, his father said last night.

Lee Johns said Tyler was a happy-go-lucky child until he started downing the drinks to make himself feel grown up.

From thriving at school and impressing neighbours with his good behaviour, he became 'hyper and disruptive' in the months leading to his death last year.

A one-litre caffeine drink was lying near Tyler's body when his mother found him hanging in his bedroom.

His father said shops should be banned from selling the products to children.

Mr Johns told yesterday's inquest into his son's death that he had ordered Tyler not to buy the drinks and had even asked a local store to stop selling them to him.

The boy continued to buy the products, however, and his behaviour grew worse at senior school.

He was soon suspended and then sent on a reintegration programme at another school.

There he stayed off the drinks for a time and performed outstandingly on the course, earning several certificates. But he resumed his habit when the programme ended.

Mr Johns, a joiner from Bolton, said: 'The drinks only cost £1 or £2. Before he started on energy drinks he got awards in class. I am convinced the drinks affected his behaviour.'

The inquest heard that on the day he died Tyler had been sent home from school for being disruptive.

After failing to explain to his father why he had misbehaved he was told to go to his bedroom.

Mr Johns said Tyler was unhappy with his punishment and started stomping around in his room.

A few minutes later his mother Wendie found him hanged.

His father tried to resuscitate him but Tyler was declared dead at the Royal Bolton Hospital later that evening, November 12. A postmortem examination confirmed death by hanging.

Peter Watts, assistant deputy coroner for Bolton, recorded an open verdict. He said he was not convinced-that Tyler - whom he described as well cared for - intended to take his own life.

After the inquest, Mr Johns said: 'Tyler is so missed. These drinks did affect him. They should not be sold to those under 16.

'There is so much said about what children should eat and there are links between children's behaviour and food. Yet these drinks are freely available.'

A British Soft Drinks Association spokesman said: 'High- caffeine energy drinks are not recommended for consumption by children and are not targeted at children.'

One can of an energy drink contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of filter coffee.

Drunk in moderation, caffeine is a stimulant. In excess, it can lead to insomnia, anxiety and hyperactivity.

Last year, a high school in Worthing, West Sussex, banned pupils from bringing high-energy drinks on to its premises.

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