Adam Rickwood threatened to kill himself, the inquest heard

Adam Rickwood, 14, of Burnley, Lancs, was found hanging in his room at the Hassockfield secure training centre in County Durham in August 2004.

Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court has heard professionals describe the unit as appropriate for his care.

But the jury was told it was described as "prison-like" by the ombudsman.

Earlier, the inquest was told Adam had written to his mother saying he would kill himself if he was not taken out of the 42-bed secure unit, which was 150 miles from his home.

The jury has heard he suffered from mental health problems, drink and drug abuse and had suicidal tendencies.

Hassockfield was an appropriate place for this young person Peter Minchin, youth justice board

Professionals said that Hassockfield in Medomsley, near Consett, was purpose-built in 1999 to deal with children with similar problems.

But Richard Hermer, of the Inquest group, who is representing the teenager's family told the hearing that after a visit by the prison and probation service ombudsman painted a different picture.

He said it was described as austere and prison-like with movement impeded by an oppressive number of locked doors.

Trevor Wilson-Smith, director of Hassockfield, said huge pressure on places meant that in August 2004 they had 43 inmates instead of 42, and had 230 admissions during the year.

Extra benefits

He told the jury: "We were fit to burst to be honest.

"We had 43 young people with one young woman sleeping in healthcare because there was nowhere else to place her."

Mr Wilson-Smith outlined the centre's incentive points scheme aimed at keeping the inmates, known as trainees, in check.

He said it was based on the football league structure with a Champions League, Premiership and Nationwide League with youngsters promoted and relegated depending on their behaviour.

The higher their placing - the more benefits they enjoyed, including personal TVs and extra telephone time.

Lancashire County Council social workers and the Youth Justice Board (YJB) maintain Hassockfield was the right unit for Adam.

Peter Minchin, head of placements at the YJB, has told the inquest: "These are purpose-built training centres for vulnerable young people.

"Hassockfield was an appropriate place for this young person."