A GRANDFATHER killed himself after becoming distraught that those he felt neglected his dying grandson were never held fully accountable, an inquest heard.

Ronald Bamlett, 74, died after setting fire to his car in Hutton Rudby, near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, on September 17 last year.

William died in February 2005, after doctors at Darlington Memorial Hospital failed to diagnose meningitis and instead said he was suffering from a migraine and sent him home with Calpol.

He was rushed back hours later by his frantic mother but suffered a fatal seizure.

Mr Bamlett, who often visited his grandson's grave, felt let down by the long-running investigations into the death and was of the opinion "justice was not being done", the Northallerton inquest heard.

A General Medical Council misconduct hearing concluded in 2012 that the consultant paediatrician responsible for William's care would not be struck off, despite a string of failings.

These included not properly examining William and delaying the administration of potentially life-saving antibiotics, all of which amounted to "serious misconduct".

A seperate Nursing and Midwifery Council tribunal ended last July with a caution for one of William's nurses for failing to monitor his condition adequately.

Mr Bamlett, of Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, used to live in Hutton Rudby with his wife, Valerie, and their daughters.

Daughter, Dawn Preston told the inquest that the location Mr Bamlett chose to end his life was "a safe place to be".

"He was affected by William's death, he used to talk to my sister and my mum about it," she said. 

Neither William's mother, Cheryl Cressey, nor Mrs Bamlett attended the hearing. Mr Bamlett split from his wife some years ago but the couple remained friends.

Coroner Michael Oakley heard how Mr Bamlett drove his Toyota Yaris onto the driveway of a large house, owned by Anne and Peter Preston, founders of the haulage company Prestons of Potto.

His daughter Dawn was once married to the Preston's son - but there was no suggestion Mr Bamlett’s actions were born out of any malice towards the family.

In a statement, Mrs Bamlett said the couple’s daughters grew up in Hutton Rudby and eventually both bought homes there.

She said she last saw him about a week before his death, when they looked at old photos together and spent time chatting and laughing about old times.

“Ronald never spoke of doing anything like this, the only reason I can think that he would have done it in that location is that it is there he was at his happiest – with me, with the girls and with William."

However, she added he felt "justice was not being done" over their grandson's death.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was smoke inhalation and burns. Mr Oakley concluded that Mr Bamlett killed himself.