Inquest Hears Police Erroneously Withheld Abuse History Information from Journalist

An inquest has revealed that a journalist was “mistakenly” informed by police, several weeks prior to her death, that she lacked the right to ascertain whether her former partner possessed any history of domestic abuse. Teresa McMahon, a news editor for Granada Reports, was discovered deceased at her Salford flat in August 2021. This occurred shortly after she had informed Greater Manchester Police (GMP) of sustaining broken fingers and a potentially broken rib. Her 43-year-old ex-partner, Robert Chalmers, provided testimony via video-link from Bolton, following his arrest for failing to attend her inquest in London. He refuted allegations of physically harming her or attempting to control her. Coroner Mary Hassell determined that Ms McMahon had ended her own life, stating that “no other person forced her to do that.” The coroner added, “I don’t have any evidence that any other person physically caused Teresa’s death.” The court was informed that Ms McMahon had requested GMP on 12 July 2021 to reveal any past information regarding violence or abuse involving Mr Chalmers. During her testimony at the inquest, Det Insp Charlotte Poole stated that a junior GMP officer had “mistakenly” informed Ms McMahon nine days subsequent to her request that she was not eligible for this information under Clare’s Law, given that she was not presently in a relationship with him. Police officers attempted, without success, to contact Ms McMahon the following day and once more on 29 July, intending to inform her that she might indeed be entitled to receive the information. Det Insp Poole further informed the inquest that during the police visit on 21 July, Ms McMahon had lodged a “complaint of broken fingers and a potentially broken rib but had not sought medical attention for those injuries” and expressed no desire to aid in a prosecution against Mr Chalmers. She commented, “It’s not unusual for domestic abuse victims to not want to assist in a prosecution once they’ve made that report.” Ms Poole disclosed that Mr Chalmers had been identified in “three logs” pertaining to domestic abuse reports spanning an 11-year period. These entries did not exclusively represent convictions, potentially encompassing accusations or intelligence reports. Mr Chalmers acknowledged that his relationship with Ms McMahon had been turbulent, but asserted that he neither physically harmed her nor subjected her to coercion or control. When questioned by the coroner as to whether he believed dissatisfaction with their relationship contributed to her death, Mr Chalmers responded, “No.” Ms Hassell inquired of Det Insp Poole whether GMP had contemplated the possibility that Ms McMahon might have committed suicide as a result of being subjected to coercive control. Det Insp Poole answered that “there was nothing to indicate she was”. Det Ch Insp Gareth Humphreys informed the inquest that “no defence injuries” were discovered on Ms McMahon’s body. He also mentioned that a journal she had written, reviewed by police, contained references to “reasons why she wanted to die”. Dr Muhammad Bashir, who conducted Ms McMahon’s post-mortem examination, testified at the inquest that there was no evidence suggesting the involvement of any other individual in her death. Det Con Max Baimak stated in a declaration, presented during the inquest, that there were “no malicious or threatening communications between Teresa and Robert.” The statement further noted that Ms McMahon had sent a message to Mr Chalmers on 2 August, stating, “I wish I was dead.” In a separate message, she wrote, “I’ve got nothing. I’ve never felt so worthless,” to which Mr Chalmers subsequently responded, “You have and do so much Teresa.” He also sent messages saying, “Hope you’re OK Teresa” and “Let me know you’re OK.” Bernard, Ms McMahon’s father, expressed his belief that her death resulted from the “tragic combination of being in a bad relationship, drinking too much alcohol and suffering depression.” In a written statement presented to the court, he affirmed, “There was screaming, shouting and threats made between them both, but I don’t believe there was any physical abuse or controlling behaviour.” He characterized his daughter as “driven” and “very generous.” Lorna McMahon, Ms McMahon’s aunt, informed the court that her brother “was lying,” further stating that he was “friends with Robert Chalmers.” Ms Hassell remarked that while the inquest did not constitute “a public inquiry into GMP,” the police investigation into Ms McMahon’s death was “not perfect.” In a declaration released subsequent to the inquest, Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker stated that GMP had “addressed concerns raised by the coroner around the benefit of scene photos in non-suspicious circumstances, and clearer retention periods for body-worn video.”