'New evidence' halts Rachel inquest

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The coroner was on Thursday due to sum up the evidence of the week-long inquest into the death in May 2000 of 21-year-old Rachel, whose body was found in Exmouth, Devon.

Coroner Ian Arrow, sitting in Exeter, Devon, told the jury at the start of the proceedings: "There have been developments."

He recalled to the witness box Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett, who led Wiltshire Police's reinvestigation into the death. The officer said: "New information concerning the circumstances of Rachel's death has been passed to me. If it is true it is capable of influencing these proceedings and the outcome of these proceedings."

He added: "It will be necessary for me to organise the source of this information to be interviewed and evaluate her evidence and determine the next steps."

When the inquest resumed the coroner said Wiltshire Police were following two separate lines of inquiry which had necessitated Wiltshire Police going to two different locations.

It is understood a number of police officers are involved in the new inquiries.

The body of former Bath Spa university student, Miss Whitear, was discovered by her landlord in the bed-sit in Pound Street, Exmouth, Devon, in a crouching position on the floor and holding a capped syringe in her hand.

The first inquest in December 2000 recorded an open verdict, with no post mortem having been carried out.

Following complaints about the original Devon and Cornwall Police investigation by Miss Whitear's mother, Pauline Holcroft of Ledbury, Herefordshire, Wiltshire Police were appointed to reinvestigate the death.