NURSES looking after epileptic teenager Connor Sparrowhawk, who was found unconscious in a bath, were unsure if he suffered a seizure two months before he died, an inquest heard.

Staff nurse Joanna Hook told jurors yesterday she was working a night shift at Headington’s Slade House on May 20, 2013, when she found out through a handover that the 18-year-old had bitten his tongue earlier that day.

She saw Mr Sparrowhawk had a “bite” mark which appeared a “little red”.

Mrs Hook told Oxford Coroner’s Court she asked Mr Sparrowhawk how he hurt his tongue, and the teenager replied “angry”. She did not suspect an epileptic seizure as he “did not present with any other symptoms”.

But Mrs Hook said she knew the teenager’s mother Sara Ryan told staff she thought he may have suffered an “unwitnessed” seizure when she visited him earlier in the day.

Mrs Hook said staff later moved Mr Sparrowhawk, who was the only epileptic patient at the unit, to a room next to the staff office where he could be observed more frequently.

Mr Sparrowhawk was diagnosed with autism, a learning disability and epilepsy before he was admitted to the short-term assessment and treatment unit.

A post mortem examination after his death on July 4, 2013, revealed he died from drowning as a result of suffering an epileptic fit, and had traces of painkillers, epilepsy drugs and anti-depressants in his system.

Paul Bowen, representing Mr Sparrowhawk’s family, asked Mrs Hook: “Was there any discussion with you about whether Connor had had a seizure or not?” Mrs Hook replied: “No.”

The hearing continues.