Parents 'may sue over drug death'

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An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation, carried out by Wiltshire Police, found a "general organisational failure" but added individual officers did not breach the Police Code of Conduct.

The 21-year-old shop assistant was found dead on the floor of her bedsit with a syringe in her hand in May 2000.

Her parents Pauline and Mick Holcroft said they may also mount legal action against the coroner and pathologist over the decision not to hold a post mortem examination.

Devon and Cornwall Police and the coroner were criticised by Rachel's parents after the publication of the report into the original investigation.

Mrs Holcroft, from Ledbury, Herefordshire, said Devon and Cornwall Police had "failed miserably," and she wanted a "full and public apology".

Heroin-user Rachel's death in Pound Street, Exmouth, was the subject of an anti drugs video called "Rachel's Story" after shocking pictures of her lifeless body were printed in the media.

Speaking in Exeter, where the IPCC published the report, Mrs Holcroft said they were going to take legal advice over the content of the papers and files in the case. She said they needed advice about whether they took the issue any further "against Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, which may or may not include the coroner and pathologist".

Mrs Holcroft said the coroner, the now retired Richard Van Oppen, "should have ensured that a post mortem examination was carried out". The pathologist had stated he did not undertake a post mortem examination because of Rachel's potential HIV status, Mrs Holcroft said.

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton said since Rachel's death the force had reviewed and amended its policy regarding the investigation of drug-related deaths.