RISK assessments into the bathing habits of epileptic teen Connor Sparrowhawk may not have been carried out by carers, an inquest heard.

The 18-year-old had autism, epilepsy and a learning sifficulty and was admitted to Slade House, an NHS assessment and treatment unit in Headington, in March 2013.

He was found submerged in the bath by care workers on the morning of July 4, 2013 at Slade House and died later that day at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

A jury at Oxford Coroner's Court heard today that Connor had been in the habit of taking baths lasting several hours.

During questioning by coroner Darren Salter, staff nurse Kieran Dullaghan said: "The most notable thing about Connor in the first week of admission was the fact that he was having extremely long baths.

"I wrote to the mum and asked her if that was normal and she confirmed that it was.

"He would have the bath quite full and sometimes it would overspill. He spent so long there that sometimes it would go cold."

According to a care plan first compiled on March 24, 2013, staff were advised to check on Connor in the bath every 15 minutes rather than the usual 10 due to his habits.

Mr Dullaghan was them asked by a legal representative for Connor's family: "Did you at any point carry out a risk assessment in relation to his bathing arrangements in so far as they related to his epilepsy care?"

On advice from his lawyer Mr Dullaghan declined to answer the question.

The inquest into Connor's death began yesterday. The Oxford Mail report from that can be read here.

The hearing continues.