AN inquest into the death of a West Cumbria woman whose partner was arrested on suspicion of her alleged murder has been opened and adjourned until later in the year.
Police were called to an address at Clayton Avenue in Cleator Moor on 15th July amid concerns for the welfare of 43-year-old Shelly Clark. She was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital where she died the following evening.
Following her passing, her 44-year-old partner, Trevor Green, was arrested and charged with her alleged murder. He made two court appearances, entered no plea to the allegation and was remanded in custody after a provisional trial date was fixed. However, a Prison Service spokesman later confirmed he had died in HMP Durham on 21st July and that, as with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman had been informed.
This morning (MON), an inquest into the death of Miss Clark was formally opened by Cumbria assistant coroner Simon Ward.
During the short hearing it emerged Whitehaven-born Miss Clark, latterly of Mill Hill, Cleator Moor, had been formally identified by her mother, Linda.
Miss Clark was said to have been a caretaker by occupation. No post mortem findings were given.
“She died at West Cumberland Hospital on 16th July, 2020, when the family agreed to withdraw medical treatment,” noted Mr Ward, who adjourned the inquest until 15th December. “Hopefully it can be completed on that date.”
Paying tribute to Miss Clark following her death, her family said: “Shelly was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunty, niece, cousin – and friend to many. She will be sorely missed.”
It was confirmed on Friday that Preston Crown Court had been formally notified of Trevor Green’s death. It was the duty of the court to formally close the file in these circumstances, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said.
