A HARROWING documentary looking at the death of a Burnley teenager in a young offenders institute is to be released later this year.

The hard-hitting film, by award-winning director Bill Maloney, focuses on the suspected suicide of Adam Rickwood, 14, at Hassockfield Secure Training Centre in County Durham in 2004.

It features interviews with members of Adam’s family, who are angry at his treatment at the centre and do not believe he killed himself.

A second inquest into his death is due to take place this year after a five-week inquest in 2008 found he had hanged himself with his own shoelaces.

Adam’s mum, Carol Pounder, approached Mr Maloney while he was working on a documentary about the centre in the 1970s and 1980s when it was called Medomsley Detention Centre.

Mr Maloney, who runs Pie ‘n’ Mash Films company, said: “It is a gritty piece of work.

“I gave the people involved the right to say what they want. I didn’t want to dumb it down in any way. It was harrowing talking to Carol and Adam’s family. There were times I had to leave the room to compose myself.

“Carol really opens her heart and it is so powerful. None of the family believe Adam killed himself.”

Mrs Pounder watched the documentary for the first time earlier this week and said she was pleased with the finished film.

“I totally agree with the film and how it comes across,” she said.

“I think it shows exactly how we feel and covers most of the issues about Adam.

“Bill was great to work with, he was very supportive and has done a great job on the film.”

Adam Rickwood and the Medomsley Heroes is due to be released on DVD soon.