A grief-stricken mother has told how her daughter begged to be sent to the prison where she died.

Yvonne Hartnes said 20-year-old Cheryl, from Laindon, pleaded for treatment to psychiatric and drink-related problems at Holloway Prison in London.

Last weekend Cheryl was found hanging by a belt from the window bars of her cell.

She had moved to council accommodation in Cathedral Drive, Laindon, only last year to try to begin a new life.

The prison has launched its own inquiry into the tragedy alongside a coroner's investigation.

Mrs Hartnes, who lives in Park Royal, London, told the Echo everyone who knew Cheryl was devastated.

She said: "I only saw her a week ago and she seemed happy."

Mrs Hartnes visited Cheryl's cell on Monday to see the window she hung from and to find reasons for her death. Cheryl, who had been suffering psychiatric problems, was sent to the young offenders' wing of Holloway Prison, in March.

She was serving a nine-month sentence for affray and a five-month sentence for common assault to run concurrently.

In court she insisted the judge send her to prison instead of going home to be looked after by her family.

Mrs Hartnes said: "She wanted to go to Holloway to get treatment and to have someone to look after her.

"I was flabbergasted when she requested that. I expected she would like her freedom but she wanted help."

Mrs Hartnes added: "She had a drink problem. She wanted a new start and we all pitched in to move her to the flat in Laindon."

Her death leaves four grieving brothers.

The funeral is set to take place on June 29.

Cheryl - wanted help

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