Teens Found Dead Days After Police Bail
Two teenagers from Dorset died in a suspected suicide pact just days after being released from police custody. Jack Williams, 18, and Katherine Powell, 17, were found hanging at Bothenhampton Nature Reserve near Bridport on January 25, 2022. Their bodies were discovered by a passer-by.
Missing, Arrested, Then Released on Bail
Katherine was reported missing on January 22, while Jack was reported missing two days later. Both had been arrested by Dorset Police on January 19 but were released on bail. The charges behind their arrests remain undisclosed.
“The full inquest will examine the safeguarding steps taken by Dorset Police in relation to the arrests and bail decisions.” – Coroner Brendan Allen
Inquest to Probe Police Handling
At a pre-inquest review, Coroner Brendan Allen confirmed that Dorset Police have self-referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The watchdog’s investigation is complete but findings remain under wraps.
The inquiry will look into how the police handled the missing persons reports and the arrests. Dorset officers involved must submit statements within six weeks. It also emerged Jack had been arrested previously in November 2021.
Families and Authorities Attend Virtual Hearing
The families of Jack and Katherine joined representatives from Dorset and Warwickshire Police, local councils, Dorset Healthcare, and the IOPC at the virtual hearing. A further pre-inquest review is set for November 27, with the full inquest scheduled for March 24, 2025.
Jack lived in West Bay, the location of ITV’s Broadchurch, while Katherine was from Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Both were single and unemployed.
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