An inquest into the death of Leyton Taylor heard in heart-breaking detail how he effectively worked as an unpaid carer for his family.

The hearing was also told the Wymondham High pupil had received taunts at school over his sexuality.

Yvonne Blake, the area coroner, said: "He was only 13. He didn’t like his school, he didn’t like where he lived, and he had a lot being asked of him.

"Anyone would have been fed up. It was a lot for a young boy.”

Leyton died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on April 11, 2025, five days after he was found unresponsive in his bedroom at his home in Rugby Way, Wymondham.

Doctors confirmed he had suffered catastrophic brain injury after a cardiac arrest caused by hanging.

His inquest, at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, heard how Leyton had been living with his mother Kerry Ann Taylor and stepfather Kyle Townson, who had eight children between them in a "shouty" and demanding household, including a young child with complex needs requiring constant care.

His mother told the court she had come to rely heavily on Leyton to help manage the home where he was the eldest.

“I leaned on him more than the others,” she said.

“Looking back now, I can see we, me and Kyle, made him not be a child.”

Mr Townson said: "Leyton would do more than the other kids because he didn't mind. He would watch the baby, do the cooking and the dishwasher and go to the shop. Kerry would just get Leyton to help.

" I should have helped more. I will never forgive myself for what happened. I know I should have done more."

Leyton had struggled following a move from Dickleburgh to Wymondham, where he left behind close family, including an older sister and grandparents.

“He didn’t want to move,” his mother said. “He wanted to stay with his nan and grandad.”

At his........

© Norwich Evening News