Blofield teen Charles Bennington died by suicide court told

Charles Bennington, of Mill Road, Blofield, had been driving his distinctive blue Isuzu Trooper when it crashed on Pedham Road in nearby Hemblington, last year.

The incident happened at around 8pm on February 28, and Mr Bennington, an apprentice in the oil and gas industry, was declared dead at the scene the following morning, on March 1. 

Several statements were read out to Norfolk Coroner’s Court during an inquest into his death on July 22. 

From the evidence, it was clear that the tragedy had left his loved ones in widespread shock, and many are still coming to terms with his passing. 

None more than his parents, Paul and Jane Bennington, who attended the court, at County Hall in Norwich, in person.

Sitting with extended members of their family, Mrs Bennington placed a framed photograph of her son in front of the area coroner, Yvonne Blake.

CRYPTIC MESSAGES MOMENTS BEFORE 

A police forensic report heard that in the minutes prior to the crash, Mr Bennington sent messages to two friends informing them that he had been in a car crash. 

He also watched videos on his phone about the possibility of death by driving and crashing at speed. 

PC Jamie Hutchin, a forensic collision investigator who compiled the report, confirmed that the teen had been driving without his seatbelt on and although within the speed limit, he showed no indication of breaking or swerving to avoid a collision.  

Recording a verdict of suicide, Mrs Blake said on the balance of probabilities it was more likely than not that it was deliberate act. 

She said: “The evidence from the pathologist is that Charles would not have been able to send those messages after the crash because of his very severe injuries, his position in the car, and the phone’s position in the car.

“I have no idea, and neither does anyone else apparently, of why he would do it, which is what makes it all the more distressing that nobody has any idea. 

“But all the evidence is that he was a lovely, well-liked man, much older than his years. No one had a bad word to say about him.

“He was obviously going to be a very successful man.

“He had everything to look forward too.”

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS 

She added: “He was only 17, and young people’s brains do not really mature emotionally until around 25, and they are prone to impulsivity and do not learn to regulate emotionally.

“The conclusion must be one of suicide. I’m very sorry, it’s a horrible thing to hear, all the more painful because no one seems to have any knowledge as to why.

“In 20 years of doing this, I’ve never heard so many really nice statements about such a nice man in all my career. I've never heard anything like it.”

Mrs Bennington said that while the family were ‘sorry with the conclusion’ they understood why the coroner had reached it.

'THE MOST TREASURED GIFT'

His family said: “Charles was the most treasured gift of a child and young man. He brought us such joy, love, inspiration, and happiness. 

“Although only 17, he inspired love and kindness and respect to all; living life to the full.

“Charles loved working for HG Wells Intervention Oil Services undertaking his apprenticeship role with a zest of inspiration, achievement, intellect, capability, and ambition. 

"Charles worked hard and loved his Saturday job in a jewellery shop in Norwich, where he was regarded as having an extraordinary knowledge and passion for collecting coins and watches.

“He had spoken to us of plans for a focused future in his chosen career and was looking forward to a holiday with friends in October.

“To quote a friend of Charles, ‘I miss that boy so much, anything he touched turned to gold and anyone he spoke to smiled in an instant’.  

“Charles was such a wonderful part of our lives, and we miss him every minute of the day and night.  

“We thank friends, family, and our family’s village, for the loving support they continue to give to us in our greatest sorrow.  

“We also thank everyone who donated through Go Fund Me, thus enabling the yearly awards in Charles’s name and providing memorial benches at Heathlands at Blofield Heath.  

“We love and miss Charles so and always will forever in our hearts and mind.”  

In Charles’s memory, the family have created, in partnership with Easton College and HG Wells, a yearly award called the Charles Bennington Achievement Award in Engineering and Heavy Machinery. 

His parents are also supporting 'the Kindness Cup' yearly award in Charles’s name at their local primary school, which Charles attended.