Inquest into the death of Tracy Shelvey to be held next year

Emergency services treat Tracy Shelvey at the scene

An inquest into the death of Tracy Shelvey, the lady who died after jumping from the roof of the Wheatsheaf Centre in February, will take place next year.

The full circumstances surrounding her death will be examined during the inquest at Rochdale Coroners Court in Heywood starting on 10 February 2015 – just over a year since the tragedy.

A witness list for the inquest has not yet been revealed but it is understood that police and other agencies are expected to give evidence at the hearing, which will be held over a ten day period.

Described as a “bubbly and happy” by her friends and family, Tracy had been told by police days before her death that a man she had accused of rape had been cleared by a jury after a trial.

A former soldier from Heywood was cleared of attacking three women in the Rochdale area.

Tracy, 41, a former fitness instructor had lived on Longridge Drive in Heywood for six years but had moved from that address and was living in a Rochdale hostel at the time of the trial and her death.

Detectives travelled to the hostel on 31 January to break the news of the jury’s verdict which came after Tracy had given evidence in the rape case.

At the time of her death, in a statement, Greater Manchester Police said Tracy was offered further support after becoming “angry and upset” by the news.

Later that same evening police officers and ambulance staff visited Tracy’s home again after she phoned in a “distressed” state. She was comforted by officers and according to the police, was promised she would get help and support from outside agencies.

Three days later, on 3 February, officers were called to the town centre to reports that Tracy was on the roof of the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre.

Officers tried to speak to her but she jumped from the building and later died in hospital from her injuries.

The case was later voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) by GMP because of the contact officers had previously had with Tracy.

Tracy’s death also sparked calls for an urgent review of the way victims and witnesses are treated in the criminal justice system by Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/85200/woman-who-jumped-from-wheatsheaf-roof-has-died