An inquest into the death of a 12-year-old girl who took a fatal overdose after telling police she had been raped by an older boy at her school has found “no evidence” that her death could have been prevented by authorities.
Semina Halliwell, who had autism, died in June 2021, after taking a toxic drug used to treat a chronic condition at her family’s home in Southport, Merseyside.
She was rushed to hospital after her family discovered empty medicine packets, and she was placed into an induced coma, but suffered multiple organ failure and died.
Semina’s mother, Rachel Halliwell, claimed Semina had been repeatedly harassed after reporting the older boy, who she said had groomed her on Snapchat.
Videos of Semina being bullied and violently attacked were directed at the family on social media following the funeral, as were messages celebrating Semina’s death, her family told Sky News, while vandals also trashed her grave.
Relatives of the Year 7 pupil have claimed Merseyside Police officers discouraged her from pressing charges against the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when she first reported the rape.
On Thursday, a coroner concluded that Halliwell had a “complex social history and her death arose as a consequence of taking an overdose while in a state of distress” and her “intent at that time was unknown”.
“The evidence has not revealed that real and immediate risk to Semina’s life was known to state agencies which would have made her death preventable by the state,” the coroner said.
“Where there are any shortcomings that have been identified (by the authorities) I have no evidence as to speculation what difference that would have made.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
