A Swindon teenager who was found dead eight days after going missing intended to take his own life, a coroner has ruled.

James Phillips, 19, from Blunsdon, was reported missing to police on October 15, 2021.

He had taken a suit and shoes with him but had left his phone and wallet behind.  

After an eight-day search, his body was found on October 23, located in a secluded spot near the Abbey Farm Play Park that was obscured by overhanging trees and tall reeds.

A backpack was nearby with a note in.

The court had heard that James had struggled with the absence of his father, a pilot who was killed in a crash when he was four months old, and with fitting into life in the UK after moving from Bahrain. 

He also had to stop training to be a pilot himself after a stomach issue led to his medical license to fly being revoked. 

Despite James making multiple serious attempts on his life in the months leading up to his eventual death, both of the psychiatrists who had seen him prior to it did not believe there was an immediate risk, with the latter saying James had "hope for the future".

Read More: Family of teenager found dead in field say his death was 'avoidable'

Read More: James Phillips missed by police several times during eight-day search

In a conclusion to the inquest, which spanned three days, Coroner Ian Singleton, said: “James Ian Phillips had suffered with low mood and suicidal thoughts for some times and had made several attempts to take his own life in 2021.

“This led to voluntary admission to a private hospital. Following discharge, he suffered a lowering of mood and was referred to NHS.

“He was given a diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder, but no immediate concerns of suicide were raised by either of the psychiatrists that had been involved in his care, Dr Bachlani or Dr Sivasubramanyam.

“James was reported missing having left his mobile phone and wallet at home and on October 23 James was found in hedge, secluded from view.  

“The cause of death was listed as multiple drug toxicity, including one drug known to not have any legitimate medical use that was illegally obtained, possibly from the internet, something that we know James was proficient with.

“Because of this, I have to conclude that James intended the consequences of his actions.”