Coroner opens the door to possible manslaughter charge

A CORONER has adjourned the inquest of North Devon schoolgirl, Charlotte Shaw, opening the doors to a possible manslaughter by negligence charge.

Charlotte, 14, died after falling into a river while training on Dartmoor for the Ten Tors in March 2007.

Coroner, Dr Elizabeth Earland said she was duty bound to refer the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions and will also write to the Independent Police Complaints Commission about the quality of evidence.

Charlotte from Frithelstock Stone between Torrington and Bideford was one of the Edgehill College, now known as Kingsley School, team training for the event.

Her mother, Jennifer Wilkin-Shaw has said she just wants to know the truth of what happened.

The jury inquest at Exeter has been taking place since Monday, December 7, and has heard evidence from Charlotte's classmates and teachers.

For the full story see Wednesday's Journal .