Kye Francis Jones, who had been living in care for two years, died on February 26 this year.

At a pre-inquest review hearing at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, area coroner Robin Weyell heard Kye had been placed at Sycamore House - a privately run home in Outwell providing care on behalf of Suffolk County Council.

The court was told the teenager, who was subject to a care order under Section 31 of the Children Act, had been living at the home for around two years before his death.

During the hearing, the coroner raised concerns about reports of cannabis and tobacco use within the home, although toxicology evidence suggested neither substance directly contributed to Kye’s death.

Coroner Robin Weyell. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Weyell also responded to questions about why Kye’s mobile phone had not been fully examined by police as an important line of inquiry.

He heard evidence that police had been unable to access the device due to not having the correct passcode, and it has since been returned to the family.

The coroner said the lack of access could prove “problematic”, acknowledging that teenagers "live their lives on their phones."

Kye’s father, Mr Jones, told the hearing he had not seen or received his son’s phone. Mr Weyell instructed his assistant to clarify the whereabouts of the phone before the hearing.

The full inquest is expected to explore Kye’s final movements, including reported contact with his girlfriend on the night of his death, as well as wider issues around his care.

The coroner confirmed the scope of the inquest would include examining systems and procedures at Sycamore House, including risk assessments in place to protect him.

One previous incident in 2022, involving an overdose of paracetamol and concerns over behaviour, has already been identified as a relevant factor.

The court heard both Sycamore House and Suffolk County Council, which is an interested party in the case, have carried out internal reviews following Kye’s death. These will be disclosed to the coroner.

Mr Weyell also said he would examine a reference in a police report to a life insurance policy allegedly taken out in Kye’s name, which was sent to his grandmother shortly after his death.

“It is certainly worthy of examination,” he said.

“It does seem very odd that a 17-year-old would do that.”

Despite Kye being in care, the coroner said the case would not automatically engage Article 2 -the state’s duty to protect life - and confirmed the inquest would likely proceed without a jury.

“My view remains that Article 2 does not engage,” he said, adding that it would be kept under review.

Family members have raised concerns about the level of freedom Kye had while in care.

The full inquest is due to take place over two days on June 30 and July 1 at Norfolk Coroner's Court.

Kye’s father and grandmother are expected to attend.

© Eastern Daily Press