A man from Bradwell hung himself after a string of errors at a mental health unit.

An inquest jury found Matthew Leahy, 20, was “subjected to a series of multiple failings over a long period of time” at the Linden Centre at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.

Jurors also concluded “relevant procedures and processes were not adhered to.”

The court heard nurses fabricated a care plan for Mr Leahy after he died in November 2012, five days after being sectioned.

Observation schedules were not stuck to and there were concerns over low staffing levels.

One nurse has been dismissed and two are currently facing disciplinary hearings.

Mr Leahy’s mother, Melanie Leahy, said: “We are very happy with the verdict today. At last we have received some answers about what happened.”

She said her son's death had “completely devastated” her family and friends and she called for a public inquiry into conditions at the unit.

She said: “I feel if my son had received the care he deserved he would still be here today.”

Andrew Geldard, Chief Executive of North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, refused to answer questions after the hearing but issued a prepared statement.

He said: “We would like to express our sorrow at the tragic death of Matthew and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

“This case highlights some of the difficulties with mental illness.

“In particular, the difficulties of striking a balance between depriving someone of their liberty, keeping them safe and helping them to get better.”

He said an internal investigation had decided Mr Leahy had received appropriate care although improvements to various procedures have since been made.