A teenager who plunged from a car park roof may have fallen while trying to get a better phone signal, a coroner speculated yesterday.

Matthew Measures was also battling depression caused by a skin condition and his AS-Level results when he broke into the locked Bolton Road multi-storey in the middle of the night, the inquest at Oxford Coroner’s Court heard.

The 17-year-old, of Broughton Road, Banbury, had been drinking and lost his way. Coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded an open verdict, saying: "He might have gone to the top of the car park either to get a better view or a better signal.

"I cannot attribute this to an act of self-harm. In these circumstances, I have to record an open verdict."

Philip Measures, Matthew's father, said following the open verdict: "We are devastated by his loss.

"We all miss him deeply. He was a lovely boy and had everything to live for.

"I'll remember his loving and caring personality. He loved his water polo, sailing and swimming.

"He was doing well at college and planning his future career."