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A talented and "well-liked" sixth-former who was accused rape but the allegation was later withdrawn hanged himself.

Jay Cheshire, 17, was contacted by police in late April after his accuser told them she had been attacked by him.

The horrified student ambassador attended a voluntary interview where he gave his version of events.

Just two weeks later the female withdrew her rape allegation - but Jay was left traumatised by the ordeal.

He was found hanging in a park close to his home in Southampton, Hants, weeks later.

Jay was rushed to Southampton General Hospital but tragically died after two days in intensive care on July 5.

AS-Level student Jay had a history of low moods and had been seeing a psychiatrist from the age of 13.

But his devastated mother Karin said the rape allegation was a factor in his tragic death.

(Image: Google Maps)

"She accused him of rape and said he was a sexual offender," said the heartbroken 54-year-old.

"He was absolutely distraught. Two weeks later she said she withdrew the allegations. He was a wonderful young man."

Jay was studying English Literature, Film Studies and Geography for his AS levels at the time of his death.

An inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court heard he wanted to be a history teacher or a writer.

The hearing was told his state of mind had improved over the first few months of the year.

But his family contacted psychiatrists in May saying he was under pressure because of the police investigation.

Jay left a note alongside his body in the park for his family and another inside his sixth-form locker.

Senior coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict of suicide.

He said: "I got the impression he was well liked and mature in some ways, but was a sensitive young man and vulnerable in some respects.

"He found it difficult to cope with the police investigation."

Olivia Murphy, head of sixth-form at Bitterne Park School, described Jay as a hard-working teenager who "embraced" his studies.

Hampshire Police said no action has been taken against Jay's accuser.

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