A schoolboy was found hanged after bullies threw meat at him because he was vegan, it has been reported.
Louie Fenton, 12, died in January after suffering regular bullying, an inquest heard.
"He had regular appointments with the counsellor and he started self harming. They threw meat at him in the canteen because he was a vegan," his mother, Catherine Fenton, told Hertfordshire Coroner's Court, according to the Hertfordshire Mercury.
Louie, described as "a wonderful boy, much loved by family and friends," was forced to eat outside and even took up smoking to cope with the stress of bullying, the court was told.
But his father, Graeme, was reportedly unconvinced he had meant to take his own life, and believed his son, a member of the local sea scout group, died while playing with knots.
Louie was also said to have been excited to take part in an upcoming school skiing trip.
Coroner Geoffrey Sullivan recorded an open verdict, the Mercury reported.
