An inquest into the death of Lurgan woman Laura Marshall has been pushed back again – with the coroner expressing “great regret” as the 10th anniversary of her passing approaches.
A preliminary inquest hearing at Laganside Courthouse in Belfast on Wednesday heard that the full inquest is now scheduled to begin on April 27, with a further preliminary hearing tentatively fixed for March 23.
However, Coroner Louisa Fee told the court she intends to instruct an additional pathologist to examine aspects of the case, but said she is hoping this can be done by way of a written report that would still allow the current April hearing dates to stand.
Addressing those present in court – including members of Ms Marshall’s family – the coroner explained why the inquest, which had initially been earmarked to start in early March, could not proceed as planned.
She said: “I just want to be clear, particularly because I have family members present in court. I had wanted to proceed with this inquest on the second of March, but matters were brought to my attention in January…that needed to be explored further on my behalf, which meant that the matter had to be moved to a later date.
“That was not what I had hoped would happen at all. And it is a matter of great regret to me that we’re now approaching the 10th anniversary of Laura’s death, and I’m very mindful of that.
“But unfortunately, as matters arise, I have to deal with them as they’re in front of me… I’m going to instruct another expert in this matter. I certainly do hope to maintain the hearing dates, if it is at all possible, but the timescales of that expert could have an impact upon that. I hope to be in a position to confirm that or otherwise at the next preliminary hearing.”
The inquest is expected to last for three weeks.
The coroner added that the court would try to accommodate the availability of all parties as far as possible, particularly in light of the significant milestone approaching in April.
Ms Marshall, a 31‑year‑old dental nurse, was found dead in a running bath at her flat in the Victoria Street area of Lurgan on April 3, 2016.
Police said at the time that she had suffered multiple injuries consistent with a violent struggle. Her last known sighting was CCTV footage showing her entering her apartment block on March 31.
Three days later, water was reported to be leaking into a flat below. When entry was forced into Ms Marshall’s apartment, her body was discovered.
A man was charged with her murder shortly after her death, but he denied the charge. In 2018, the Public Prosecution Service withdrew all charges and the case against him was dropped.
The next preliminary hearing, currently set for March 23, is expected to confirm whether the inquest can proceed on April 27 in light of the additional expert evidence now being sought.
