A complaint about the way GMP handled its investigation after the death of a TV journalist is to be reinvestigated. The move comes after the family of Teresa McMahon complained to a police watchdog about the force's initial inquiry when the 43-year-old was found dead at her flat.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has 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". It has directed the force "to reinvestigate the complaints in line with procedures outlined in their domestic abuse policy.” An inquest scheduled for February 10 will now be postponed.
In August last year, a second pre-inquest review heard that Granada Reports journalist Teresa was "a vulnerable individual locked in a coercive and controlling relationship," described as "toxic".
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In a previous pre-inquest review at Bolton Coroners Court, Senior coroner for Manchester West, Timothy Brennand, told how the 43-year-old producer and news editor was found dead at her flat in Little Hulton, Salford, on August 3, 2021. It was established that reports of concerns over abuse had been made to police before her death - by friends, colleagues and family members.
The court heard how an investigation by Greater Manchester Police had ruled out any criminal activity but attending in court, Teresa's aunt Lorna McMahon stated she was unhappy with the investigations.
During the first pre-inquest review in February last year, Lorna told Mr Brennand that Teresa had never shown any expression of 'self-harm or suicidal intent' and was not under the treatment of mental health services. However, she raised 'safeguarding concerns' around her niece alongside reports of concerns over abuse.
Lorna said: "Teresa said she was going to work in London with ITV for three months to get away from this [abuse]."
And she complained that the police were yet to interview those concerned, even though 'there was evidence she was assaulted on a number of occasions'. She added: "I am hoping the police will look into this further. Friends, colleagues and neighbours had all reported that Teresa was attacked."
In the pre-inquest hearing, Mr Brennand said: "I cannot revisit any decision that Greater Manchester Police has arrived at relating to criminal proceedings."
The full inquest was set to hear evidence from Greater Manchester Police, pathologist Dr Bashir, toxicologist Julie Evans, Dr Hazel Swindles and two of Teresa's neighbours, who Lorna says were witness to the alleged abuse.
But after Lorna's formal complaint to the IOPC about the GMP investigation was upheld, the scheduled full inquest will be postponed while a new police inquiry is conducted.
A spokesperson for GMP said: "GMP is re-investigating the complaint and note an Inquest into the death of Teresa McMahon is due to be heard, so we are unable to comment further at this stage."
'GMP's investigation was not reasonable or proportionate'
In a statement the IOPC said: "A review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded that complaints made about a Greater Manchester Police investigation into the death of Teresa McMahon should be reinvestigated. At the request of the complainant, we reviewed the force’s handling of complaints made following Teresa's death.
"During our review, which began in October 2022, we looked at whether complaints were properly addressed and whether the service provided by officers was acceptable.
"The complainant initially submitted complaints to the force in August 2022 following the death of Teresa, 43, in August 2021 and later submitted an application for a review to the IOPC after they were not upheld by the force.
"We reviewed GMP’s handling of complaints about whether the force sufficiently investigated domestic abuse allegations, if they should have identified Teresa as vulnerable and if her death could have been avoided had officers acted differently. The force determined that the service provided in response to these complaints was acceptable.
"Following an assessment of the review, the IOPC has upheld the review and concluded the outcome of Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into the complaints was not reasonable and proportionate. A review is not a reinvestigation of a complaint or any police investigation that is subject to a complaint.
"During our assessment we reviewed Greater Manchester Police’s domestic abuse policy which provides a guideline of the standards and considerations that are required to be undertaken when investigating allegations of this nature."
IOPC Head of National Operations, Sunny Bhalla, said: “Our thoughts are with Theresa’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by her tragic death.
“After completing our review, we were not satisfied that the investigation conducted by Greater Manchester Police into the complaints made was adequate. We concluded that lines of enquiry had not been pursued and complaints were not sufficiently addressed. We have directed the force to reinvestigate the complaints in line with procedures outlined in their domestic abuse policy.”
Lucy Meacock, the long-running presenter of Granada Reports, described Teresa as 'one of the most naturally gifted journalists of her generation' following her death. Teresa had joined the show six years previously and, beginning as a news trainee, she rose through the ranks to more senior positions.
As a result of Lorna's appeals, Ms Meacock, who she said was 'fully aware of Teresa's problems', had been due to be called as a witness at the full inquest.
During her career Teresa also worked for the Manchester Evening News. She had also gained a first class degree from Salford University as a mature student. Granada presenters on the show told of her sense of fun, her energy and tireless work on the programme.
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