A Bristol teenager who killed himself with painkillers was upset that his school had sidelined Christianity in favour of "alternative religions", an inquest heard.

Harry Tucker, 15, from Southville, read the Bible at home because his religious studies teachers focused on the teaching of Islam and Sikhism, his father, Robert Tucker, said.

The straight-A student was also troubled by what he saw as unfair detentions, his sexuality, and the fact his mother's ex-partner threatened to burn down the family home in his early childhood.

Avon coroner Brian Whitehouse recorded an open verdict, saying it was more likely that the teenager took the co-proxamol as a "cry for help".

Mr Tucker, 53, an ex-marine, told the inquest in Flax Bourton his son had problems at St Katherine's comprehensive school, in Pill, over a number of issues.

He said: "There was an issue with a teacher due to his being given what he said was an unjustified detention. Even though he had told them he didn't miss homework, they didn't believe him."

"He was deeply concerned that his religious education consisted mainly of alternative religions and ignored Christianity.

"The religious education concentrated on the Muslim faith at the expense of Christianity.

"He was reading the Bible himself because it was rarely covered at school.

"Nothing seemed to change, according to Harry, before his death."

Mr Tucker said he had contacted the school about the issue, but they denied there was a teaching imbalance.

He added that his son was also suffering "night terrors" due to the memories of a female ex-partner of his mother threatening to burn down the Bristol house.

His mother, Jill Billett, 51, divorced from Mr Tucker, subsequently left that lover and married Geoff Billett, the inquest was told.

Harry, who was also interested in art and had considered becoming an actor, lived with them and his three sisters in Bristol.

An investigation by the coroner's office found Harry was a "sad and very mixed-up teenager" who also had feelings for a male friend.

On February 20, 2006, after taking the overdose and being found unconscious in bed, he was taken to Bristol Children's Hospital but staff were unable to resuscitate him.

Mr Whitehouse recorded an open verdict saying he had no doubt Harry had caused his own death, but could not be sure he intended his actions to end his life.

The coroner said: "It does seem to me from the evidence I've heard that Harry was a very troubled teenager, despite his mother referring to him as normal.

"I've no doubt that's how he appeared. All teenagers are troubled to a greater or lesser extent as they go through the teenage years. Thankfully they almost always grow out of it. Sadly and tragically, he didn't grow out of it."

After the inquest Mr Tucker declined to comment, except to say he was sure Harry was not being bullied at school. Harry's mother did not attend the hearing.