Peter Taheri appears in the Inquest into the death of Kerri-Anne Donaldson

Kerri-Anne Donaldson, a 38 year old woman, had appeared in the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 as part of a dance group.

She was arrested on 4 June 2023 on allegations of non-recent sexual offending. After being released under investigation with bail conditions, her family reported her missing. She was found within hours by Hampshire Police officers. Ms Donaldson had attempted suicide before Police located her. She was taken to hospital. Following a Mental Health Act Assessment on 6 June 2023, Ms Donaldson was discharged home. Ms Donaldson died on 7 June 2023.

In recording a conclusion of suicide, HM Area Coroner for Hampshire, Mr Jason Pegg, held that the Mental Health Act Assessment relied on incorrect assumptions and was conducted in the absence of all of the relevant medical notes, in consequence of which the level of risk could not be fully determined and was downplayed.

The Coroner praised the “very proactive” efforts of Hampshire Constabulary in finding Ms Donaldson after she was reported missing and the police officer who located Ms Donaldson for ascertaining that Ms Donaldson had in fact attempted suicide contrary to her initial assurances to him that she was fine.

An issue in the case had been whether Police should have disclosed the nature of the alleged offences to the mental health professionals assessing Ms Donaldson. The Coroner held that there was no reason, on balance, why Police officers should have disclosed this, as it would have breached Ms Donaldson’s confidentiality, in circumstances where she did not consent to such disclosure and not only did she retain (presumed) capacity but she was also not in the legal care or custody of the Police at the relevant time.

The Inquest has received a considerable amount of publicity. Read more, for example, on Sky News.

Peter Taheri represented the Chief Constable of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. Peter is a specialist in the fields of Inquests and Police disciplinary hearings. He regularly acts for Chief Constables and other public and private clients in complex and sensitive Inquests.