Major update in death of ITV journalist who was 'locked in a toxic and controlling relationship' | The Sun

A MAJOR update into the death of an ITV journalist who was reportedly locked in a toxic and controlling relationship has been released.

Cops have been ordered to reinvestigate complaints into the death of Teresa McMahon with the original probe slammed.

The move comes after Teresa's family complained to a police watchdog about the force's initial inquiry when the 43-year-old was found dead at her flat.

The producer and news editor passed away unexpectedly in August 2021 leaving family and friends heartbroken.

Her body was found hanging inside her home by her father Bernard and another man. 

Reports of concerns over abuse had been made to police before her death by friends, colleagues and family members, a court heard.

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And The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now said the investigation conducted by GMP into the complaints made "was not adequate, reasonable or proportionate" and that "lines of enquiry had not been pursued".

It has directed the force "to reinvestigate the complaints in line with procedures outlined in their domestic abuse policy.”

An inquest scheduled for February 10 will now be postponed, reports Manchester Evening News.

Back in August last year, a second pre-inquest into her death said Teresa was "locked in a coercive and controlling relationship," and was "a vulnerable individual."

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While in the first pre-inquest the court heard how an investigation by Greater Manchester Police had ruled out any criminal activity.

But Teresa's aunt Lorna McMahon – who attended court – stated she was unhappy with the investigations.

Lorna told Mr Brennand that Teresa had never shown any expression of "self-harm or suicidal intent" and was not under the treatment of mental health services. 

However, she raised "safeguarding concerns" around her niece alongside reports of concerns over abuse.

The full inquest was set to hear evidence from Greater Manchester Police, pathologist Dr Bashir, toxicologist Julie Evans, Dr Hazel Swindles and two of Teresa's neighbours, who Lorna says were witness to the alleged abuse.

But after Lorna's formal complaint to the IOPC about the GMP investigation was upheld, the scheduled full inquest will be postponed while a new police inquiry is conducted.

A spokesperson for GMP said: "GMP is re-investigating the complaint and note an Inquest into the death of Teresa McMahon is due to be heard, so we are unable to comment further at this stage."

'NOT REASONABLE'

In a statement the IOPC said: "A review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded that complaints made about a Greater Manchester Police investigation into the death of Teresa McMahon should be reinvestigated.

"At the request of the complainant, we reviewed the force’s handling of complaints made following Teresa's death.

"During our review, which began in October 2022, we looked at whether complaints were properly addressed and whether the service provided by officers was acceptable.

"The complainant initially submitted complaints to the force in August 2022 following the death of Teresa, 43, in August 2021 and later submitted an application for a review to the IOPC after they were not upheld by the force."

They continued: "We reviewed GMP’s handling of complaints about whether the force sufficiently investigated domestic abuse allegations, if they should have identified Teresa as vulnerable and if her death could have been avoided had officers acted differently. The force determined that the service provided in response to these complaints was acceptable.

"Following an assessment of the review, the IOPC has upheld the review and concluded the outcome of Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into the complaints was not reasonable and proportionate.

"A review is not a reinvestigation of a complaint or any police investigation that is subject to a complaint.

"During our assessment we reviewed Greater Manchester Police’s domestic abuse policy which provides a guideline of the standards and considerations that are required to be undertaken when investigating allegations of this nature."

IOPC Head of National Operations, Sunny Bhalla, said: “Our thoughts are with Theresa’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by her tragic death.

“After completing our review, we were not satisfied that the investigation conducted by Greater Manchester Police into the complaints made was adequate.

"We concluded that lines of enquiry had not been pursued and complaints were not sufficiently addressed. We have directed the force to reinvestigate the complaints in line with procedures outlined in their domestic abuse policy.”

At the time of her death, presenter Lucy Meacock said Teresa was "one of the most naturally gifted journalists of her generation."

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The journalist joined the Granada Reports team and rose through the ranks from a trainee to more senior positions.

She added: "She worked tirelessly behind the scenes and always brought a special sparkle to the programme and our newsroom."

You’re Not Alone

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.

It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.

And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.

The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

• CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
• Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
• Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
• Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
• Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
• Movember, www.uk.movember.com
• Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm

Contact the Samaritans

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123.

They are available for free at anytime.

Or email https://www.samaritans.org/

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