A HEARTBROKEN father last night called for a ban on the sale of high energy caffeine drinks to children — after telling an inquest they transformed his son from a happy boy into a disruptive child who was found hanging.

Tyler Johns, aged 11, was found in his bedroom in Corring Way, Hall i’ th’ Wood, on November 12 last year, Bolton Coroner’s Court heard.

Despite desperate attempts to resuscitate him by his father, Lee, the youngster was pronounced dead at the Royal Bolton Hospital that evening.

The inquest was told that earlier in the day, Tyler had been sent home from Smithills High School for being disruptive.

He was sent to his room and, after later failing to explain to his father why he had misbehaved, was told to go back to his bedroom to think about what he had done.

Mr Johns, a joiner, said Tyler was not happy with his punishment and was heard stomping around.

Around 8pm he heard Tyler’s mum, Wendie, scream. He found her with Tyler and started resuscitation but was unable to revive the boy.

The inquest heard Tyler enjoyed primary school and, along with his brother, was described by neighbours as among the best behaved children on the estate. But his behaviour suddenly started to change.

Mr Johns said: “I discovered he was drinking high energy caffeine drinks. He was becoming hyper and disruptive. I think he felt grown up by drinking them.” He was banned from buying the drinks and his parents asked a shop not to sell them to him. He was also given packed lunches so he did not have money to buy the drinks.

But he continued to drink them when he started at Smithills High, and his behaviour grew worse and he was suspended. Mr Johns said his son was sent on a reintegration programme at Withins School in Breightmet, where he stayed away from the drinks. He was said to have performed outstandingly on the course and received certificates.

But he was found with the energy drinks after leaving the course. On the day he died, a litre bottle of the drink was found in his bedroom.

Mr Johns said: “They only cost £1 or £2. Before he started on energy drinks he got awards in class. I am convinced the drinks affected his behaviour.”

Det Insp Andy Cunliffe described the family as being loving and warm.

A post-mortem examination revealed Tyler died by hanging. Assistant deputy coroner Peter Watts recorded an open verdict, stating he was not convinced that Tyler — whom he described as well looked after — intended to take his own life.

After the inquest, Mr Johns said: “Tyler is so missed. These drinks did affect him. They should not be sold to those under 16. There is so much said about what children should eat and there are links between children’s behaviour and food. Yet these drinks are freely available. It is only recommended that they should not be given to children. ”