A JURY was sworn in as the inquest into the death of 19-year-old Gaia Pope began, four and a half years after she first went missing.
Ms Pope went missing on November 7, 2017 and was found dead in undergrowth on a clifftop in Swanage 11 days later.
The family have since raised concerns about the response of the relevant authorities, and an 11-week inquest will examine the 11 days between Ms Pope’s disappearance and subsequent finding, her medical history and epilepsy treatment, and the impact of a rape allegation she made in 2015.
READ MORE: Coroner opens Gaia Pope inquest on day one
Eleven jurors were sworn in and introduced to the case by Senior Coroner for Dorset Rachael Griffin at a hearing at Bournemouth Town Hall on Tuesday.
Ms Griffin said: “Gaia was 19-years-old and went missing on November 7, 2017. She was found on November 18, in undergrowth on a cliff top between Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point in Swanage.
"She was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013 and remained in treatment until she went missing.
“In December 2015, Gaia disclosed to her family she had been raped the previous year.
“She made a report to the police, police investigated and the alleged perpetrator denied the allegation.
“He was not charged or convicted. Approximately a year later he was convicted for sexual offences to other victims and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
“At the time of her disappearance, Gaia was anxious about his imminent release.”
Ms Griffin told the jury Ms Pope was first referred to mental health services in December 2015 and between that time and November 2017 underwent a number of assessments by Dorset Healthcare Trust. She was also diagnosed with PTSD.
“On November 2, 2017, Gaia reported she received indecent images via social media. She was due to meet with police on November 7 to make a formal complaint,” Ms Griffin continued.
“Gaia appeared very unsettled that day, left her aunt's address running away from the address at around 3.40pm.
“Her aunt contacted the police at 3.42pm to report she was having some sort of episode.
“Gaia attended the address of a friend's grandmother. She leaves that address and the last sighting is on CCTV in Priests Road at 3.49pm.
“Sadly, on November 18, Gaia was found deceased in undergrowth on the clifftop between Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point.
“I expect the main issues to be the medical care provided to Gaia. The actions of those in Dorset Police following concerns for her welfare and the search for Gaia."
Witnesses will begin to be called on Wednesday. The inquest continues.
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