Bradford schoolgirl's suicide over "fat and ugly" fears

5:01pm Wednesday 26th November 2008

A Bradford schoolgirl hanged herself after leaving a note saying she was "fat and ugly", an inquest has been told.

Imogen D'Arcy, who attended the Bradford Christian School, was found in a bathroom at the family home in Adel, Leeds. She had left a hand-written note on the toilet seat describing herself as fat and ugly.

Now MP Greg Mulholland has backed a campaign to crack down on pro-suicide websites.

Mr Mulholland said he had been "very moved" after the teenager's mother visited him to discuss the danger of the websites.

The 13-year-old was taken to hospital but she died nine days later in a hospice.

An inquest held at Leeds Coroner's Court today heard the teenager had looked at internet suicide sites before taking her own life.

Mr Mulholland said: "After Imogen's mother came to see me, I wanted to do what I could to highlight this devastating tragedy so as to prevent other young people taking their own lives after looking at such sites."

The Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West continued: "We need to police these websites which can do a lot of damage to vulnerable young people who actually need help and support."

He said the Government is looking at updating the wording of the Suicide Act 1961. The law currently states that it is illegal to assist someone in killing themselves but you need to have met that person.

The MP said he hopes an amendment could eventually help catch and prosecute people shown to be actively encouraging others to take their own lives.

Assistant deputy coroner Melanie Williamson recorded a verdict of suicide at the inquest.