A VULNERABLE teenage girl, in the care of Pembrokeshire County Council, committed suicide by hanging herself at Hakin Point, an inquest heard today, June 18.

The seven day-long inquest into the death of Seren Judith Bernard, 14, who was found at Hakin Point on April 2, 2012, was opened by Assistant Coroner for Swansea Paul Bennett at the start of this month.

At the time of her death, Seren was in the care of Pembrokeshire County Council through foster carers in Milford Haven.

Seren had previously attempted - and openly spoken of - ending her life, and had earlier told her foster carers harrowing details of a serious sexual assault during a time she went missing for 10 days in September 2011.

Seren’s mobile phone was found on her, with a number of texts to friends stating: “Thanks for everything, I’ll never forget you, there’s nothing that can be done.”

Delivering his conclusion this afternoon, Mr Bennett said, on April 1, 2012, witnesses had described how upset Seren was after receiving a text from her “on-off” boyfriend that they were splitting up.

“It is likely to have had a bearing on her emotional state,” said Mr Bennett.

Mr Bennett said when Seren went to the “dark place” at Hakin Point there would be “no going back” for her if she tried to kill herself.

“This does not indicate this was a possible cry for help; I can only interpret she was not expecting anyone to come to her help.”

Mr Bennett had highlighted failures in communication about Seren between the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the local authority.

He stressed this failure in communication did not cause or contribute to her death.

After concluding the inquest he gave the county council’s representatives seven days for submission of any responses to issues raised.

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council described Seren’s death as “a profound loss”, adding: “We will, of course, reflect upon all of the issues that have been raised during the inquest and consider what lessons can be learned with a view to continuing to ensure the safeguarding and well-being of all children and young persons served by Pembrokeshire County Council.”