Vulnerable teenager who fell from cliffs 'failed by the authorities who could have helped save him'

A mother whose disabled son died when he fell from Ramsgate Cliffs, has told ITV Meridian she felt badly let down by the authorities who could have helped to save her son's life.

13 year-old Sammy Alban-Stanley had autism and a rare genetic condition. His family had been appealing for support. The coroner said there were clear failures in his care which could have contributed to his death. 

Leaving the inquest into his death today, Sammy's mother said she believes her disabled son would be alive today, if the family had been given the support they desperately needed.

• Patricia Alban-Stanley, Sammy's Mother

Sammy had autism and a rare genetic condition known as Prader-Willi syndrome. He struggled as lockdown approached, and there were episodes where he couldn't control his behaviour.

He'd thrown himself from a car, swallowed needles and occasionally needing police intervention for his own protection, and his mother appealed to the authorities for help - but she didn't get it.

The coroner said today that Kent County Council had failed to place Sammy at a school suitable for his needs for over a year - time when he could have learnt coping techniques. The Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services offered no therapies or even attended meetings when invited about Sammy's deteriorating condition.

• Anna Moore, Solicitor, Leigh Day

The trust responsible for the Children's Mental health services in Kent also expressed its sympathies saying, "As an organisation, we will reflect on the Coroner's findings with a view to improving patient care in future."