Gaia Pope: family ‘devastated’ by further inquest delays
An inquest into the 19-year-old’s death has been stalled due to the pandemic.
Last updated 30th Jan 2021
The family of Gaia Pope say they’re devastated by news the inquest into her death will be delayed.
Dorset’s senior coroner said the inquest would need most if not all witnesses physically present to go ahead.
Marieanna Pope-Weidemann is Gaia’s cousin. She said:
“Already, three years on, later we learn that the inquest is going to be postponed again which is devastating for the family. We’re desperate for this to be over.”
She says a pre-inquest hearing that took place on Thursday 28th January was disrupted by technical issues and gave no opportunity for press and public to tune in remotely.
“I think the coroners right, we can’t safely hold, under these conditions the inquest that we need.
“The most important thing is that it’s done right because we’re determined to prevent future harm and to push for any necessary improvements that need to be made in the support provided to those in our community who are struggling with mental health, or with abuse.
“I think in the context of COVID-19 there are more of those people now than ever so the outcome of this inquest matters now more than ever.”
A further hearing is scheduled to take place on March 4th at which point it is hoped a new date can be fixed for the inquest.