The police assert they thoroughly investigated the sexual assault claim of Semina Halliwell, a 12-year-old girl who later died by suicide.
Southport: A heartbreaking case has come to light involving a 12-year-old girl named Semina Halliwell. She tragically took her own life after reporting that she had been sexually assaulted.
In June 2021, Semina died from an overdose at her home. Just months earlier, she had confided in her mother about the assault by an older boy. The inquest into her death revealed that police took her allegations seriously.
Officers testified that they followed proper procedures when handling her case. One officer mentioned he tried to prepare Semina for the tough road ahead in the investigation. He aimed to find solid evidence to support her claims.
However, it was noted that Semina never heard the words “I believe you” from the officer, which her mother felt could have made a difference in her daughter’s mental state.
During the inquest, PC Paula Carney shared that Semina had reported being contacted by the boy on Snapchat and that he had pressured her to meet up. She alleged that he assaulted her on two occasions.
Detective Constable Chris Loughead, who also handled the case, stated he took Semina’s claims very seriously. He explained the investigation process to her, including the potential challenges they might face.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Semina ultimately decided not to pursue the complaint initially. However, she later changed her mind and was scheduled for a video interview just before her tragic death.
This case highlights the importance of support for young victims and the need for sensitive handling of such serious allegations. The inquest is ongoing, and many hope it will lead to better practices in the future.
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