Menu
03/08/2004
'No third party involvement' in Rachel Whitear death
A drug addict, whose body was exhumed by police after questions were raised about the manner of her death, passed away without any third-party involvement, forensic scientists have said.
Rachel Whitear, 21, was found dead in the bedroom of her flat in Exmouth, Devon, on May 12 2000 after apparently suffering a drugs overdose. A photograph of Rachel's body, with a syringe still in her hand, subsequently gained national media attention when it was released to help promote drugs awareness.
An 'open verdict' was recorded at the original coroner's inquest – but no post mortem examination was carried out.
Question marks were since raised over the Devon and Cornwall police investigation, and the Police Complaints Authority called in Wiltshire CID to review the case.
However, forensics experts said today that Ms Whitear probably died from a drugs overdose. Police have said that there is no evidence to justify criminal proceedings.
(gmcg)
Rachel Whitear, 21, was found dead in the bedroom of her flat in Exmouth, Devon, on May 12 2000 after apparently suffering a drugs overdose. A photograph of Rachel's body, with a syringe still in her hand, subsequently gained national media attention when it was released to help promote drugs awareness.
An 'open verdict' was recorded at the original coroner's inquest – but no post mortem examination was carried out.
Question marks were since raised over the Devon and Cornwall police investigation, and the Police Complaints Authority called in Wiltshire CID to review the case.
However, forensics experts said today that Ms Whitear probably died from a drugs overdose. Police have said that there is no evidence to justify criminal proceedings.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
13 February 2004
Police to exhume body of heroin addict
The body of a 21-year-old drug user, who was found dead in the bedroom of her rented accommodation in May 2000, is to be exhumed, police have confirmed today. Rachel Whitear was found dead on May 12 in Exmouth, Devon, after apparently suffering a drugs overdose.
Police to exhume body of heroin addict
The body of a 21-year-old drug user, who was found dead in the bedroom of her rented accommodation in May 2000, is to be exhumed, police have confirmed today. Rachel Whitear was found dead on May 12 in Exmouth, Devon, after apparently suffering a drugs overdose.
04 October 2006
New inquest to be held into Rachel death
A fresh inquest is to be held into the death of Rachel Whitear, whose body was featured in a hard-hitting anti-drugs campaign. The 21-year-old was found dead in a bedsit in Exmouth in Devon in May 2000. She was clutching a needle and appeared to have taken a drug overdose. In December 2000, a coroner recorded an open verdict on her death.
New inquest to be held into Rachel death
A fresh inquest is to be held into the death of Rachel Whitear, whose body was featured in a hard-hitting anti-drugs campaign. The 21-year-old was found dead in a bedsit in Exmouth in Devon in May 2000. She was clutching a needle and appeared to have taken a drug overdose. In December 2000, a coroner recorded an open verdict on her death.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
27 February 2008
Government Announces New Drugs Strategy
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled the Government's new 10-year drugs strategy.
Government Announces New Drugs Strategy
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled the Government's new 10-year drugs strategy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
