A vulnerable teenager died by suicide after alleging rape by a work colleague, prompting her family to decry a ‘huge miscarriage of justice’ due to workplace safeguarding failures.

Lauren Hewson’s Background and Decline

Lauren Hewson began her apprenticeship at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, in 2023. Her sister, Bethany, described how Lauren initially flourished into a loving and independent young woman. However, family members noticed a stark change starting in June 2025. Lauren isolated herself, locking in her bedroom, avoiding conversations, neglecting her appearance, and losing weight dramatically.

Lauren later disclosed to her family that she had endured sexual assault and rape by a staff member, who is no longer with the company. Police were notified promptly.

Tragic Timeline and Suicide Attempts

On her 18th birthday, July 28, 2025, Lauren first attempted suicide and was admitted to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Medical staff discharged her after she assured them she had no plans for further self-harm. Tragically, a week later, first responders found her unresponsive in her bedroom, and she was pronounced dead.

Her mother, Helen Bamber, shared at the inquest: ‘Lauren believed her life had been ruined; she just could not see a way out, but she was a strong, determined girl.’

Police Probe Yields No Charges

Cumbria Police arrested a man in connection with the allegations and released him on bail. Investigators found insufficient evidence to press charges. The probe continued after Lauren’s death in August 2025 and recently concluded, with the family informed of the outcome.

Inquest Ruling and Family Outrage

At Cumbria Coroner’s Court, Assistant Coroner Robert Cohen ruled that Lauren intentionally died by suicide. He noted: ‘Lauren went on to make very serious allegations, and it is also right to record the family’s position that had it not been for those incidents, Lauren would not have died.’

Bethany expressed profound grief: ‘What we are feeling at the minute is a huge miscarriage of justice by the failings of her employer to protect a vulnerable young girl—she was still a child.’ She added that proper workplace support might have empowered Lauren to report the abuse sooner: ‘If Lauren had the correct support in the workplace to fit with her needs, then she may have felt brave enough to speak out and report what was going on, but sadly she didn’t have that chance.’

BAE Systems’ Safeguarding Stance

BAE Systems maintains rigorous safeguarding procedures to protect apprentices. The company states these measures undergo regular reviews to align with regulatory guidance and industry best practices. A spokesperson emphasized: ‘We take any allegation of misconduct seriously and investigate thoroughly, while supporting those affected and taking appropriate action as necessary.’

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