A woman was failed by the police after she was forced to swallow her wedding ring before being beaten to death by her jealous husband, an inquest has ruled.
Before she was murdered by Shaun Dyson on June 23, 2019, both the Dorset Police and Hampshire Constabulary missed opportunities to save Lucy-Anne Rushton’s life, a three-week inquest into the death of the mum of five heard.
Ms Rushtom was murdered by Dyson who kicked, punched and stamped on her, leaving her with 37 rib fractures, a broken breastbone and collapsed lungs, the Mirror reports. Ms Rushton’s brother had gone to police in the month prior to the murder – to report Dyson for taking photos of himself sexually abusing Ms Rushton on her 30th birthday, an inquest heard.
Officers were also called a year before following an altercation between the pair at a Bournemouth hotel, where Dyson was overheard calling the mum a “drunken slut” during an altercation. During their stay, Ms Rushton was seen by a guest in the corridor with her face and hands covered in blood and notified security.
The jury today recorded a unanimous narrative conclusion highlighting the failings in the lead up to Ms Rushton’s unlawful killing. The jury chair read: “The relationship between both parties was abusive and violent, the relationship made a material impact on her death.
“In 2018 they were staying at a hotel in Bournemouth, a 999 call was made, police responded and when questioned by police [Ms Rushton] denied any altercation. CCTV evidence showed a physical confrontation, this was not secured by police, a public protection notice issued by the police was submitted three weeks after.
“This was received by the home local authority [Hampshire County Council], this was not actioned…The children attended a local primary school, one child reported violence at home, the school did not refer this to child services. A referral was made on 7 June, 2019, following sizeable concerns, the referral was declined by child services.
“On 30 May, concerning photos were shared with the police, several lines of inquiry were not followed and a risk assessment was not completed. Lucy-Anne Rushton died on 23 June 2019 as a result of a prolonged, brutal attack, Lucy-Anne Rushton was unlawfully killed.”
Speaking after the jury delivered their conclusion, assistant coroner for Hampshire Darren Stuart said he planned to write a prevention of future deaths report. He said: “In relation to Hampshire Police the contact with Ms Rushton on 30 May, 2019, in particular, with the passing on of images and consideration of those images constituting a criminal offence and action around that.
“The failure to complete a formal risk assessment or issue a public protection notice following contact between police and Ms Rushton on May 31, poor decision making and rationale by police on duty.
“In relation to the school…to address the approach to record keeping, at the time there were records being kept of a paper nature that were not recorded on the online system. Failures in relation to those shortcomings are ones that give me cause for concern in relation to future deaths.”
Following the inquest Myra Simpson, Lucy’s mother said: “Lucy was failed by professionals who could have stepped in to help. Her death has broken our family, and I miss her every day. I hope that the police and other agencies involved have learned something from our tragedy.”
Robert Hamill, of Gold Jennings Solicitors, added: “This inquest has shone a light on the horrible domestic violence Lucy suffered and the extent to which she felt unable to reach out for help. It has also highlighted significant deficiencies in how police investigated reports of abuse.
“This situation will not be unique to Lucy, and it is therefore essential that public bodies responsible for safeguarding victims are proactive and able to take steps to protect those who cannot seek help themselves.”
Dyson murdered Ms Rushton at her home in Andover, Hampshire, while children were present. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond.Sign up to our daily newsletter.