Pair discovered at nature reserve after being reported missing
TWO teens who died in a suspected suicide pact were released from custody just days before the double tragedy, an inquest heard.
Katherine Powell, 17, and Jack Williams, 18, were arrested on January 19, 2022, before being released on bail.
The pair were discovered hanged at Bothenhampton Nature Reserve six days later.
An inquest heard today how Katherine and Jack were identified using their police custody images.
It is not known why the teenagers had been arrested but a full inquest will look into the “safeguarding” steps taken by Dorset Police in relation to the decision to bail them.
Jack had also been arrested in November 2021 but the alleged offences have not been revealed.
Katherine was reported missing on January 22 by her family, followed by a report filed on Jack two days later.
The full inquest will also examine how the search for the pair was handled.
Dorset area coroner Brendan Allen said: “The scope will consider the action taken by Dorset Police to risk assess and safeguard Katherine Powell and Jack Williams in relation to Jack Williams’ arrest on November 22, 2021, and Jack Williams and Katherine Powell’s arrests on January 19, 2022.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has completed an investigation into Dorset Police’s handling of the case but has yet to release its findings.
Jack, who was originally from Coventry, West Midlands, was unemployed and lived in West Bay – the setting of ITV drama Broadchurch.
The court heard Katherine was also unemployed, with her home address was given as Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
Families for the pair, whose deaths are not being treated as suspicious, attended today’s hearing virtually.
A two week joint inquest is scheduled to start on March 24, 2025.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
