Schoolgirl Frankie Cushion accidentally killed herself 'while trying to scare parents after being grounded'

The teenager and her family were due to fly to Egypt four days after she was found unconscious

Out Lane in Woolton, Liverpool, where Frankie lived (Google Street View)

A schoolgirl accidentally killed herself while trying to scare her parents after being grounded, an inquest has heard.

Francesca Cushion - known as Frankie - had been grounded for being out late the evening before she was found unconscious in her room at her home in Woolton, Liverpool, on August 19.

A paediatrician told the inquest the 13-year-old had been waiting for an appointment with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), over concerns she may suffer from Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Her mother, Colleen Nagal, said Frankie had struggled with her behaviour since starting secondary school two years ago, but a doctor had suggested her case was not urgent and that she was not a threat to herself.

Ms Nagal said Frankie had previously tried to scare her and her father, Paul Cushion, and had also threatened to run away in the past.

According to The Daily Mail, Ms Nagal told the inquest: “I think she wanted to scare us and don’t feel she realised the consequences of what she did.

“I don’t think she would have wanted to put us through any of this. We strongly believe it was an accident”.

She added that Frankie had also been grounded a week before her death and been fine - and that she would have known her death would leave her family and friends devastated.

The family, also including Frankie’s 10 year-old sister, were due to fly to Egypt four days after she died. Ms Nagal said Frankie was very excited and had already packed for the holiday.

Her dance teacher had described Frankie as being a “happy-go-lucky” teenager.

The inquest heard Frankie was discovered by her father, who tried to resuscitate her and took her to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. She was declared dead shortly after arriving.

Anita Bhardwaj, Liverpool area coroner, gave a verdict of accidental death - saying she could not be sure "beyond reasonable doubt" that Frankie deliberately killed herself.

"It is more likely than not that Frankie's behaviour was part of a developmental disability," she said, according to The Liverpool Echo.

"I conclude on the balance of probability that this was the result of a very tragic accident."