A teenager in the Highlands who died following an overdose of paracetamol may have been driven to suicide by a sinister campaign, according to his father, who has called for a fatal accident inquiry.

Seventeen-year-old James Newlands, was found dead at his mother's home in Wick, in March. His father, Mr Francis Newlands, 40, who is separated from his wife, has alleged that four men drove the youth to take his life by maliciously ''winding him up''.

Mr Newlands, of Oldwick Road, Wick, has contacted procurator-fiscal Angus Perry and is awaiting a decision from the Crown Office.

He alleges the men accused his son of an assault in the town earlier in the week of his death, and then set about frightening him because of the possible consequences.

Mr Newlands said: ''They told James the man was in a serious condition after the attack and that the police would be on to him.

''They also said he was looking at a two-year prison sentence, and were scaring him with the sordid details of what other prisoners would do to him in jail.''

Mr Newlands said he was confident his son had nothing to do with the assault and that the men knew he was innocent.

''They were deliberately winding him up. James was the type of lad who took things to heart and I believe he just couldn't cope with what they were suggesting.

''I can't be 100% certain that James was not involved, but according to my information he merely arrived on the scene and helped clean up the victim before he went to hospital.''

The man was later discharged from hospital after minor treatment for a mouth wound.

Mr Newlands, who is seeking an FAI in order to ensure the four are made accountable for their actions and eventually prosecuted, added: ''Even if he was involved, there was no call for the men to do what they did.''

Mr Perry confirmed he had received an initial police report into the teenager's death but had agreed to ask the force to carry out further inquiries.

But he emphasised that the case for an FAI was discretionary, not mandatory, and required a decision from the Crown Office.

He said: ''I have spoken to James Newlands' parents and can confirm that Mr Newlands has expressed certain concerns along with a desire for a fatal accident inquiry.''

The fiscal said he was preparing a full report for submission to the Lord Advocate, who will consider the matter and issue a decision at a later date.