A long-awaited inquest into the death of a 12 year-old schoolgirl is due to begin.
Semina Halliwell, a Year 7 high school pupil, took her own life on June 12, 2021, shortly after an interview with Merseyside Police officers, her mum Rachel Halliwell has said.
Semina’s tragic death rocked the community of Southport, with former MP Damien Moore claiming the schoolgirl was “let down by the system” after she was allegedly raped by an older boy at her school, Stanley High.
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Following her death, mum Rachel released video footage showing her daughter being hit, kicked, and dragged to the floor.
She claimed Semina had been repeatedly harassed after reporting the older boy, who she said had groomed her on Snapchat.
Her funeral took place in July 2021 and was attended by police as Rachel feared the bullies would “gate-crash” the ceremony.
In November, cruel messages appeared online offering money to anyone who “trashed” Semina’s grave, and her family later discovered her grave site “covered in bricks and rocks” and dog faeces.
Almost four years on from Semina’s death, her inquest is about to begin at Bootle Town Hall. The hearing, which cannot determine blame or criminal or civil liability, will open on Monday, January 13, and continue until January 21.
Merseyside Police has previously told the ECHO: “The matter is currently being considered by the Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens coroner and as such it is not appropriate for Merseyside Police to comment on any of the substantive issues raised at this time, as we would not wish to prejudice the coronial investigation. However, we have, and are, co-operating fully with the coroner in this matter.
“A formal complaint relating to the police investigation has been received and the concerns expressed are being investigated by the force’s Professional Standards Department. We have informed the Independent Office for Police Conduct and are keeping them updated.”
