AN EX-SOLDIER whose 29-year-old son was found hanging at Bethlem Royal Hospital, has criticised his care.

John O'Donnell spoke out at his son Stephen's inquest on Thursday at Croydon Coroner's Court.

Lorry driver Stephen, of Upper Norwood, had been transferred from Mayday Hospital, Croydon, where he had been taken after a drugs overdose, on April 8 last year.

Six days later, Stephen, who had a history of depression, died after tying a sheet around his neck and looping it over the door of his room.

His father, who lives in Gillingham, learned consultant psychiatrist Dr Kanagaratnam Sathananthan failed to see him because his weekly ward round had been completed just after his admission.

He said: "I really do think my son should have had an interview within two days of his arrival at the hospital. I think his death could have been avoided. Maybe the system of management is wrong."

Ward manager Andy Maris-Shaw said Stephen had been put under constant supervision but this was later eased to a 15-minute watch.

Coroner Dr Roy Palmer recorded an open verdict and said it could have been a cry for help which went wrong.