A CORONER has ruled that a 12-year-old girl was 'emotionally overwhelmed' at the time of her death and that the level and intensity of her social media use 'cannot have failed to influence her thinking, state of mind and intentions'.

Jessica Scatterson, from Dallam, died days before her 13th birthday in April 2017 after posting a letter online detailing 'six reasons' why she intended to take her life.

The Penketh High School pupil was found with superficial cuts to her leg, some in the shape of lettering.

The letters 'RIP' had been written on her ankle in pen.

Her dad Christopher, who she lived with, told the court in November that he had 'no concerns about Jessica's mood' and said she was picking out birthday presents on the day she took her own life.

Shortly before 3am, on April 22 after seeing Jessica post a note on social media, her school friends rang police.

Officers arrived at the house on Summerfield Avenue in Dallam and the youngster was found unconscious in her bedroom by Sgt Ross Dryden and her dad.

Police and paramedics desperately tried to revive her and she was taken to Warrington Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly later.

DI Hannah Friend, who attended, noticed an iPad, iPhone and a number of notes referencing suicide and dying.

The court heard nasty messages between Jessica and her friends in the days before were also found on her iPad and her friends told police she had previously self-harmed, but had not told her dad or teachers.

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The inquest reopened today, Tuesday.

Warrington Guardian:

The youngster's heartbroken mum Rachael Warburton, told Cheshire Coroner's Court about the last time she saw her daughter.

She said: "I was driving through Bewsey after seeing family and friends and saw Jessica by a park on her own.

"It was a chance encounter and in the heat of the moment I pulled over.

"Jessica seemed shocked and frightened, it had been a number of years since we had seen each other in person.

"That was the last time I saw her until I got to spend time with my daughter at the mortuary."

Rachael told the court that she had been in contact with Jessica through her school friends and the pair had messaged on the social media app Musical.ly.

She said: "We would post photos to each other and I would get nice messages back."

When asked by coroner Alan Moore if Jessica mentioned any bullying at their encounter, Rachael said: "No, she said she had been mocked by someone for not having a mum but she did not mention bullying.

"She said she missed me and her younger brother."

When the inquest was opened in November, several teaching staff from Penketh High School gave evidence and agreed there had been fallouts with friends, typical behaviour in high school, but denied it had amounted to bullying.

Warrington Guardian:

Jessica Scatterson

Sarah Barron, a learning mentor at Penketh High, said: "On November 6, 2016, I was told Jessica was upset about her dad's wellbeing and said he seemed depressed. Jessica was worried about him and was taking up jobs (around the house).

"She seemed like a child who was taking too much on for her age."

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Wendy Walsh, an emotional wellbeing coordinator, said: "Jessica felt a great deal of responsibility, both within her friendship group and at home. She was the agony aunt of her friends."

Coroner Alan Moore echoed the words of Wendy Walsh, as he delivered his conclusions at Warrington Town Hall.

He said: "The pressure young people are under is extraordinary.

"These young people do not have the skills to cope with such overwhelming emotions.

"From her online letter which detailed her reasons for hanging herself, handwritten documents and internet searches, I am satisfied that Jessica took her life with clear intent.

"This is a truly tragic case – it must have been utterly heartbreaking for all of you and no doubt continues to be so.

"It is clear Jessica was emotionally overwhelmed and the level and intensity of her social media use cannot have failed to have influenced her thinking, state of mind and intentions."

The verdict was given as suicide.

If you have been affected by this article, call the Samaritans for free on 116123.

Alternatively Papyrus, dedicated to helping people under 35 at risk of suicide, via its HopelineUK service.

Visit papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/ or call 0800 068 4141, text 07786209697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org