Community destroyed by tragedy, says coroner

Aug 30 2007 by Haydon Wood, Liverpool Daily Post

OPENING the inquest into Rhys Jones’s death yesterday, Liverpool coroner Andre Rebello, spoke of a community destroyed by the tragedy.

He said there was “no further evidential reason” to retain the body of the 11-year-old, and signed an interim death certificate to allow Rhys to be returned to his family so they can begin to prepare funeral arrangements.

“This heinous tragedy has not only destroyed a family, but destroyed a community, and caused national public outrage,” said Mr Rebello.

He added that “any right-thinking person or family would presumably find it very difficult to live with any knowledge of Rhys’s death without sharing the information.”

Acting Supt Kelly was called as a witness during the short hearing, which was attended by Rhys’s parents.

He said police were grateful for the “significant response from members of the public” but it was important for anyone with information to come forward.

The inquest was adjourned until October 16.