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A football fan who desperately wanted a job took his own life after being 'belittled' by Job Centre staff, his inquest heard.

David Brown, 18, seeking a welder's apprenticeship, was under 'immense pressure' from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the coroner was told.

The Middlesbrough supporter, from Eston, North Yorkshire, was allegedly told he would have his benefits stopped unless he did more to find employment, reports Gazette Live.

Shortly before he killed himself, David told his mother: “The way the Jobcentre treat people, it is no surprise people commit suicide ."

(Image: Gazette live)

His torment came to light the day before his body was discovered at his home, Teesside Acting Senior Coroner Clare Bailey was told.

David's sister Grace said her brother "was having a laugh" at a family Sunday dinner but she could tell there was something on his mind.

“He said he was having a hard time from a woman at the dole," said Grace.

(Image: Getty)

“He said she was rude and belittled him.”

She said her brother had told her that "he didn't want to be a burden" on his family.

“He tried hard to look for work,” she added.

(Image: Getty)

The court heard David had "actively" been looking for work.

David's body was discovered by his brother Adam after looking through the letter box following attempts to get into his home.

The coroner ruled that David took his own life on October 3 this year.

After his death, Boro fans held a moving minute's applause for David at the Premier League club's Riverside Stadium.

David had been a season ticket holder since he was 11 and was enjoying his first year following the team in English football's top flight.

His brother Adam, speaking before the inquest, said David "was passionate about every game".

Adam recalled celebrating the club's promotion to the Premier League.

He added: “I remember on the last day of the season we were running round the Riverside, it was just a mint feeling being there celebrating with him.”

David had initially wanted to join the British Army but was desperately looking for an apprenticeship after completing a welding course.

Adam said: “He absolutely loved it and he was really good at it."

The DWP launches reviews when suicides or suspected cases of people taking their own lives are "associated with DWP activity".

David's sister Jenna, speaking after David's death, said her brother was "an adventurous teenager who will be remembered for his humour, kindness and courage".

She said he "was full of energy and had a zest for life".

Jenna added: “He still had so much to offer as a kind young man and we are all proud to call him a son, brother, grandson and friend.

“He made the world warmer and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

A DWP spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Brown’s family at this difficult time.

“Suicide is a very complex issue and there is no evidence of a link between Mr Brown’s suicide and his interaction with Jobcentre Plus.”