An independent inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who was fatally poisoned by the nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury in 2018, is set to begin on October 14, 2024. The inquiry will examine links between her death and the attempted murder of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia earlier that year. The UK government has blamed Russia for the attack, and highly classified evidence will be heard during the inquiry.
Who Was Dawn Sturgess?
Dawn Sturgess, a 44-year-old mother of three, tragically died from Novichok poisoning at Salisbury Hospital on July 8, 2018. She was exposed to the deadly nerve agent after spraying herself with what she believed to be perfume. The bottle, which contained a “significant amount” of Novichok, had been found by her partner, Charlie Rowley, in a charity bin days earlier. Sturgess collapsed at Rowley’s house in Amesbury on June 30 and later died. Rowley also became ill but was discharged from the hospital on July 20.
What is Novichok?
Novichok is an extremely toxic nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s. It disrupts the nervous system, and even small amounts can be lethal. In the 2018 poisoning incidents, Novichok was reportedly in liquid form, making it easily absorbed through the skin. The agent must be handled with extreme caution, transported in sealed containers, and handled only by individuals in protective clothing.
The Poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal
Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent, and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with Novichok on March 4, 2018, after the substance was applied to the door handle of Skripal’s home in Salisbury. Both fell seriously ill but survived after extensive medical treatment. The UK government quickly blamed Russia for the attack, citing Skripal’s past as a Russian intelligence officer who spied for Britain. Russian President Vladimir Putin denied any involvement.
Two suspects, later identified as Russian military intelligence officers Anatoliy Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin, were spotted in Salisbury on CCTV near the time of the poisoning. A third suspect, Denis Sergeev, has also been linked to the attack.
Why Is There an Inquiry?
The inquiry was established to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Sturgess’s death. Initially launched as a coroner’s inquest, it was later converted into a full independent inquiry to allow access to classified intelligence. The inquiry, led by Lord Hughes, will examine evidence from various experts, including NHS staff, police, and intelligence services. The Skripals are not expected to participate.
The inquiry will be conducted over several weeks, moving between Salisbury and London. While some evidence will be heard privately, the public and media will be able to watch proceedings via a video link with a delay.
A final report from the inquiry is expected in 2025, aiming to provide answers to Dawn Sturgess’s family and the public regarding her tragic death and the events surrounding the Novichok poisonings.
