'Chances missed' on disabled Rugby woman's murder

[dutchman]

An investigation into the torture and murder of a disabled woman in Rugby’s found there were “missed opportunities” to protect her from harm.



The review, published by Warwickshire Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board, found no evidence that the death of Gemma Hayter in August 2010 could have been prevented or predicted.

But the report did conclude that a number of incidents prior to the murder had indicated that Gemma, whose body was found on a disused railway line, was believed to be at risk of significant harm.

The 27-year-old’s body was discovered on 9 August 2010 after she was subjected to “truly abhorrent” abuse committed by five people she believed to be her friends, who are currently serving sentences for murder and manslaughter.

WSAPB commissioned a Serious Case Review last Autumn to examine in detail how various agencies worked with Gemma, and to make recommendations to better safeguard individuals in the future.

Summarising the findings of the review, its independent chair, Kathy McAteer said:

“While there was no evidence that Gemma’s murder could have been prevented or predicted, if she had received and accepted better support, she may have lived a better life and been less likely to fall into the company of people who presented serious risks.”

“Like all of us, Gemma wanted friends and a social life and this case raises wider issues nationally about community safety for single adults who may be vulnerable to disability-based harassment, hate or ‘mate’ crime and exploitation.”

The head of Warwickshire’s Safeguarding Adult board says the fact that Gemma was so fiercly independent made it harder to protect her. They say she sometimes turned down offers of help.

Responding to the publication of the report, Gemma’s family said in a statement:

“As a family we have known for 27 years that Gemma and we needed help.”

“We have known that this help should have been available. We have constantly asked for help and advice.”

“This review has finally confirmed that we were right to be worried, that help and advice was available but not forthcoming. We are devastated both with the findings, and that such negligence on the part of some of the agencies could and did happen.”