A DEPRESSED teenager found hanging was allegedly told she should be "locked up in a mental hospital" by the manager at her supported housing.

Kesia Waller, 17, moved to A2Dominion's City Road housing for vulnerable young people after being allegedly attacked by her step father.

It was here that she was found hanging on January 25 2020 and died at Southampton General Hospital on the same day.

An inquest heard that the manager of the City Road facility in Winchester was often "threatening". He was identified only as 'Deedee' at the hearing.

A witness, who was a resident at the same time as Ms Waller, told the hearing: "No-one took Kesia seriously and her journey with the mental health services never went far enough for a diagnosis. She was quite open in the past with me about the concept of suicide.

"Deedee said that she was nuts and that she should get locked up in a mental hospital. He generally wasn't very nice to young girls. He had a contract with me to say that he wouldn't contact my mother but broke this several times and called her anyway.

"He was very threatening and often raised his voice. The support at City Road was not the best and I would not recommend anyone to live under the support of A2Dominion."

She added: "When Kesia was found hanging Deedee's exact words were 'I can't do this right now'. He asked us not to touch her or cut her down. I always thought you should cut down someone in this situation, but obviously Deedee was in charge."

Ms Waller, a student at Peter Symonds College, had met with Hampshire County Council social worker Aaron Chihoyi between September and October 2019.

He told the inquest that he became involved with the teenager after she was allegedly assaulted by her step father.

"Kesia presented as though she was happy," he said, "but did not want to live with her step father anymore as she was afraid of him."

Ms Waller told Mr Chihoyi that she did not want to be fostered and stayed with a friend for a short while before being referred to A2Dominion.

Her partner, who was 15 at the time of the hanging, also attended the inquest via Zoom.

They explained that Ms Waller often suffered from panic attacks, and that the worst they had seen was following an unsolicited sexual act after a party. This was not reported to the police.

"Kesia was outgoing and always there for everyone else," added the partner. "She made lots of people laugh and pulled me out of a dark place. Sixteen months later and she still gives me a reason to fight. She was genuinely amazing to be around."

The inquest into Ms Waller continues. A conclusion is expected to be made by area coroner Samantha Marsh on Thursday May 20.

Solicitors for Ms Waller's family and A2Dominion have been present throughout.

Ms Waller had also been denied help by the CAMHS mental health service before her death as she did not meet the criteria. A representative has been on hand at the hearing.