Inquest Hears Allegations of Teachers Being ‘Horrible’ to Deceased Teen

The best friend of a teenage girl who passed away in 2017 stated that the girl’s teachers were “absolutely horrible” to her. Fourteen-year-old Megan Evans was discovered deceased at her residence in Milford Haven, following claims of social media bullying. During an inquest concerning Megan’s death, Chloe Boswell, currently 22 years old, testified that Megan expressed an unwillingness to attend school “because they [teachers] were horrible to her.” Conversely, a former assistant head teacher from Milford Haven School in Pembrokeshire had previously asserted contentment that anti-bullying policies were in effect. Ms. Boswell, who described herself as having been “practically inseparable” from Megan since they were three years old, recounted that she “saw first hand” how Mark Styles, a teacher in charge of behaviour management, would “pick away at her” regarding her non-compliant school uniform. Ms. Boswell also stated her knowledge of Megan’s history of self-harm and difficulties with fellow students at the school, reiterating her view that the school was “horrible to her.” Testifying at Pembrokeshire County Hall, she reported that on the day Megan died, she appeared to be “her normal bubbly self, there was no indication that there was something wrong.” Nevertheless, the inquest was informed that Megan’s conduct at school had altered in the days and weeks preceding her death. Ms. Boswell commented, “She didn’t say ‘I’m struggling’ but you could see it in her behaviour.” Travis Johnson, who was two years Megan’s senior at school, testified that he communicated with her on Snapchat just hours before her passing. The inquest reviewed a transcript of their exchange, in which Megan stated: “I CBA [could not be bothered] anymore.” Macey Power, 21, another friend, confirmed her awareness that Megan had been sent unpleasant messages via social media. The inquest was also told that Megan informed friends she was “logging off” from Snapchat prior to her death. Ms. Boswell testified that she frequently observed bullying incidents at the school. Becoming visibly emotional in court, Ms. Boswell conveyed that some students felt unable to confide in teachers. She remarked, “You couldn’t trust the teachers in school with things like that.” However, when questioned by Malcolm Duthie, representing Pembrokeshire County Council, regarding whether Megan had been persecuted, Nicola Evans responded: “I disagree.” Ms. Evans served as a pastoral assistant at Megan’s school at the time of her death. Mr. Duthie characterized the matter of Megan being “picked on” by staff concerning her incorrect uniform as “peripheral.” The court heard that the school’s bullying policies stipulated that disagreements between students were resolved using restorative practice. When questioned about these policies, Ms. Evans confirmed that arguments among pupils were addressed through restorative practice. She further stated that accusations of bullying would be escalated to a senior staff member. Online bullying, she noted, presented greater challenges, adding: “We were advised that that should go to the police.” The inquest was informed about an incident where a photograph of Megan holding a cigarette was disseminated online. Ms. Evans instructed the student who shared the image to remove it, stating that Megan was “happy with the outcome.” This incident was not classified as bullying. The court was also told that Megan’s parents were not informed of this incident. Ms. Evans explained, “As she was holding a cigarette, I thought maybe Megan wouldn’t want her parents to know.” The inquest remains ongoing.