A relative of a TV journalist has called for criminal investigation into her death. Teresa McMahon, 43, who worked for Granada Reports, was found unresponsive at her flat in Salford in the summer of 2021 and tragically later died.
In a pre-inquest review at Bolton Coroner's Court, senior coroner for Manchester West, Timothy Brennand, heard how it was established that reports of concerns over abuse had been made to police before her death - by friends, colleagues and family members of Teresa. But the court heard how an investigation by Greater Manchester Police had ruled out any criminal activity.
As reported in January, Greater Manchester Police delayed seeing Teresa for nine days after she made a report of domestic abuse in July 2021 due to 'resourcing issues', a report revealed. Teresa was found dead less than two weeks later at her home in Regent Avenue, Little Hulton, on August 3, 2021.
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The force, according to a watchdog report, also failed to inform Teresa of her former partner's violent history when she requested it under Clare's Law, and lost a vital bodycam footage.
In January, it was revealed a complaint about the way GMP handled its investigation after the death of Teresa is to be reinvestigated. That move came after the family complained to a police watchdog about the force's initial inquiry. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the investigation conducted by GMP into the complaints made 'was not adequate, reasonable or proportionate' and that 'lines of enquiry had not been pursued'.
The IOPC has directed the force 'to reinvestigate the complaints in line with procedures outlined in their domestic abuse policy'. An inquest scheduled for February 10 was postponed.
Two weeks ago, Teresa's aunt, Lorna McMahon, met with an assistant director of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to express her concerns about the original police investigation.
A detective chief inspector from GMP's Major Incident Team has now begun a review of the original investigation. At its conclusion, he must decide if a criminal investigation is warranted or not.
Teresa was found hanged. But Lorna said: "I do not believe Teresa is capable of hanging herself, she hated pain. I want a full criminal investigation into her death." She added that the mother of one had not left a suicide note.
The full report by the IOPC says Teresa, who worked as a producer and news editor for Granada Reports, had reported domestic abuse in the weeks before she died. A police bodycam recording of an interview with Teresa, discussing her concerns, 12 days before she died was lost by the force.
The IOPC review of the way GMP handled the family's complaint says: "In regards to the decision to disclose information to Teresa under Clare’s Law... guidance stipulates that the scheme applies to former partners, as well as current partners. Accordingly, this could be revisited and considered as part of the reinvestigation.
"It is of note that Teresa informed officers that she had ended the relationship, however, she informed the police that he was pushing to reconcile the relationship.
"Was consideration given by the officers involved in this matter of the possibility that Teresa may have returned to the relationship and were the risks surrounding this considered? Or were the risks considered if (he) could have been a risk to Teresa despite them having ended the relationship."
In August last year, a second pre-inquest review heard that Teresa was, according to Coroner Mr Brennand, 'a vulnerable individual locked in a coercive and controlling relationship', which he also described as 'toxic'.
In a statement issued last week, Greater Manchester Police said: "Following recommendations by the IOPC, GMP's Professional Standards Branch is conducting a further investigation into complaint allegations made relating to the force's handling of alleged matters in the weeks leading up to Teresa's death.
"GMP has also appointed a Senior Investigating Officer to review the original police investigation surrounding Teresa's death. We would like to assure Teresa's family that a full and thorough review of all the circumstances surrounding her death will be carried out and that they will be kept fully informed."
Lorna said: "Obviously this is a step in the right direction. I hope it will be a fair, thorough, and independent review."
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