A TEENAGER was frightened by hallucinations and died from inhaling lighter fuel, an inquest heard.

Friends of 15-year-old Dean Stansfield said he had previously seen images of the "Grim Reaper" and a "White Lady".

The inquest heard how Dean, of Manor Road, Hindley, was "buzzing" on the gas in January.

Now his mother has called for legislation to prevent other tragedies.

Mrs Josephine Stansfield said: "If Dean had been prosecuted for this, or for having alcohol, he may still be here today. If it means taking children away for six months, I'd rather that, if it had kept him alive."

Mrs Stansfield wants local MPs to bring forward a Bill to prosecute youngsters who are caught with alcohol or lighter fuel.

The hearing heard Dean collapsed in the grounds of the All Saints Church in Hindley. His friends were unable to revive him.

Home Office Pathologist Dr William Lawler said the cause of death had been the inhalation of butane. He added: "It directly affects the heart. It's such a dangerous substance because each time it's taken there's a potential for it to cause death."

Coroner Mr Martin Coppel said it showed how dangerous sniffing lighter fuel and toxic substances could be.

Verdict: Death by misadventure. ?

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