
Greek authorities delay inquest into death of British police officer in Kavos
Hannah Byrne, 22, had been out on the first night of her holiday in Corfu when she suffered a fatal head injury after falling several metres on 1 September 2023.
The 22-year-old, who served as a constable with Surrey Police's neighbourhood policing team in Reigate, had opted to stay out while her colleague returned to their hotel.
Greek authorities believed her fatal injuries sustained outside a bar were compatible with an 'accidental' fall.
However, they were also investigating whether Ms Byrne had unwittingly drunk alcohol laced with methanol.
Pc Hannah Byrne was based at Reigate as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team (Surrey Police/PA)
On Tuesday, West Sussex Area Coroner Joseph Turner adjourned Ms Byrne's inquest, which was originally opened on 18 September 2023, for another six months.
'We are still awaiting information and material from the Greek authorities,' coroner's officer Anna Soczewka told the court in Horsham.
Ms Byrne was found dead on the side of a main road by a passerby the morning after her fall.
Her family and friends will now have to wait until 18 November this year for her case to next be heard at West Sussex Coroners Court.
Shortly after her death, her family said: 'Our beloved Hannah was beautiful inside and out. She was extremely kind, funny, caring and had a real zest for life.
'She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.'

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Scotsman
7 hours ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Airport fined £80,000 after death of pensioner who fell from plane lift
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... James Young, 81, was travelling home from a holiday on the Greek island of Rhodes with his disabled wife when he fell around five feet while being transported on an airport ambulift. Mr Young was said to have landed 'on his hands and knees' and was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment following the fall at around 4pm on November 28, 2023. The OAP was found to have suffered a punctured lung, spine fractures and a fractured pelvis. He also sustained a flail chest, which occurs when adjacent ribs are broken in multiple places. Mr Young suffered a heart attack two days later and medics came to the conclusion 'the totality of his injuries and medical condition were not survivable'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Young, from Edinburgh, died just before 9pm on December 7, 2023. Edinburgh Airport Ltd, a private limited company, was prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday. The Crown produced a written narrative detailing the incident that resulted in the death of Mr Young. The narration stated Mr Young had been on holiday in Rhodes with his 79-year-old wife Anne and had flown into Gatwick Airport before travelling on to Edinburgh Airport on November 28, 2023. The company that owns Edinburgh Airport has been fined £80,000 after a pensioner died following a fall from a lift designed to take a disabled passenger from a plane to the ground. | x Mrs Young has mobility issues and uses a wheelchair and as a result her husband had organised assistance from the easyJet aircraft using one of the airport's ambulifts. The ambulift is a specially designed vehicle to assist passengers who embark from the aircraft door and can then be transported to the terminal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ambulift cabin was elevated to the aircraft's door and six passengers moved into the vehicle's cabin. The narration stated: 'The passenger cabin was lowered onto the chassis and one of the employees exited via the side entrance and used the tail lift controls to lower the tail lift platform from its stowed position to a horizontal position and raised it to the level of the rear cabin door, approximately 1.6 metres above the ground level. 'The passengers then exited the cabin onto the tail lift, Mr Young among them, who stood on its offside. One of the employees then picked up an item of luggage that was behind Mr Young and passed it to a colleague on the ground. He was then passed another similar item which he lifted off the tail lift and passed to colleagues standing on the ground adjacent to the vehicle. 'Mr Young then turned around and picked up a piece of luggage that he attempted to pass down to one of the airport staff and in doing so, he either leant on or tried to balance himself on the side rail when it swung outwards causing him to lose his balance and fall forward through the gap that had been created by the rail swinging outwards. 'As the tail lift had not yet been lowered, Mr Young fell around 1.6 metres from the tail lift platform to the ground, landing on his hands and knees, the employee closest to him being unsuccessful in their attempt is to break his fall.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Young was not believed to have sustained serious injury at the time, but was taken to the terminal in a wheelchair and then to hospital 'as a precaution'. His injuries were discovered by hospital staff during a subsequent examination. A post mortem carried out on December 15, 2023, found 'numerous rib, thoracic spine fractures and a pelvic fracture were noted along with tearing of the pleura and extensive chest wall haemorrhages'. Evidence was also found of Mr Young's heart attack and ventilator associated pneumonia. The court was told an investigation was carried out by the Health and Safety Executive the day after the incident and 'no defects' were found. The investigation found 'the locking mechanism of the offside safety rail worked as intended' while the vehicle was on the ground. However, when the platform was raised components of the rail became 'misaligned'. The narration stated: 'The effect of this is that while the side rail could not have been opened with the tail lift sitting on the ground, it could potentially open outwards if even slight pressure was applied from anyone, but only when the tail lift was elevated. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These investigations made it possible to be determined that when Mr Young was on board the tail lift, the offside safety rail had not been secured to the lifting platform. It is against this background that this particular incident occurred with such catastrophic consequences for Mr Young.' In sentencing, Sheriff Fiona Sharp said the 'isolated incident' had been 'a tragic accident' and noted the ambulift had been inspected by a third party with no defects found on June 9, 2023 and December 8, 2022. Sheriff Sharp said this was the first time the company had faced prosecution and she had been persuaded 'the culpability is low'. Sheriff Sharp issued Edinburgh Airport Ltd with a fine of £80,000 that was reduced from £120,000 due to the early guilty plea. A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: 'We again offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Young following the tragic accident at Edinburgh Airport in November 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad

South Wales Argus
7 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Missiles thrown at police in second night of Ballymena disorder
Riot police were deployed around the Clonavon Terrace area on Tuesday night as hundreds of people gathered in the Co Antrim town. PSNI vehicles formed barricades on some roads while riot police wearing armour and carrying shields stood nearby. Some protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal. A car was set on fire near a car wash and tyre centre as part of a number of blazes started by protesters. Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used a water cannon to disperse the crowd. Multiple house windows were smashed during the unrest. (Niall Carson/PA) Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines. Repeatedly using the water cannon, PSNI moved protesters away from Clonavon Terace towards the junction of Bridge Street and North Street near a mural of King WIlliam. It comes after violent disorder on Monday, following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. The scenes of violence in Ballymena, which left 15 police injured on Monday, were described as 'racist thuggery' by a senior officer. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force had a significant operation in place over the coming days in case there was any repeat of the disturbances on Monday night in the Co Antrim town. He said: 'We are actively working to identify those responsible for last night's racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice. 'Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.' A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during disorder in Ballymena on Monday night. The man, who is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday July 3, has also been charged with disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police. Mr Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. The Prime Minister's official spokesman described the events which saw police and ethnic minorities targeted as 'very concerning'. In Clonavon Terrace, several houses had their windows smashed and two which suffered significant smoke damage remained sealed off on Tuesday. The violence flared following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town at the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. On Tuesday, the PSNI said it had made a third arrest in connection with the incident and reiterated a public appeal for information. Detective Inspector Olphert from the PSNI's public protection branch said: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, Monday June 9. 'He has been unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.' After the later protest turned violent, police were attacked with petrol bombs and masonry. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the attacks should be 'loudly condemned by all right-thinking people'. 'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said at a press conference at Ballymena police station. He said that members of the minority ethnic community 'felt fear' and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's disorder to reflect long and hard about their actions, they will have consequences,' he said. Mr Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder. He said: 'Should I need any additionality, I'm absolutely assured that my colleagues in policing in England and Wales, the National Police Operation Centre, stand fast and ready to support should we need that support.' The senior officer said police did not have specific intelligence that there would be a repeat of the violent scenes, but said a significant policing operation would be in place. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'At around 7.30pm, a planned vigil gathered in the Galgorm Road area before making its way towards Larne Street, onto Wakehurt Road and then down Queen Street. 'The vigil was initially peaceful as it made its way towards the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaking to the media following a protest in Ballymena over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) 'Officers were present at the vigil to ensure an appropriate and proportionate policing response, due to the large number of people who had gathered in the area. 'A number of masked individuals then broke away from the vigil and began to build barricades, stockpiling missiles and attacking properties in the Clonavon Terrace area. 'Elements of the crowd then turned on to police and attacked officers with petrol bombs and masonry. 'This disorder was sustained and continued in the vicinity of Galgorm Street, Linenhall Street and Larne Road Link in the vicinity of the Braid.' The statement added: 'Police officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry and bricks thrown in their direction by masked rioters. 'Fifteen officers were injured with some requiring hospital treatment. 'Two police vehicles were also damaged during the disorder. 'A number of homes and businesses were damaged with windows and doors smashed. Four houses were damaged by fire with three people evacuated. 'The attacks on these properties are being investigated as racially motivated hate attacks. A damaged property in Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) 'Windows were also smashed of several business units in Galgorm Parks in the early hours. 'In total, six properties in Clonavon Terrace have sustained damage to windows and doors during the disorder. 'During the course of the serious disorder, authorised police officers discharged one attenuating energy projectile (AEP) with one rioter struck.' As part of ongoing inquiries, police are also investigating a report of arson at the Tobar Park area of Cullybackey in the early hours of Tuesday. Shortly after 12.20am, it was reported that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a vehicle in the area which set it alight. Damage was caused to a nearby property, with a woman and two children inside. Downing Street said there could be no justification for the violence in Ballymena. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. 'Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. 'PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.'


Wales Online
9 hours ago
- Wales Online
Madeleine McCann detectives 'sample clothes and bones found during search'
Madeleine McCann detectives 'sample clothes and bones found during search' A search was carried out by German and Portuguese detectives last week Search teams have been conducting new searches as part of an investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann (Image: PA ) Police are currently examining "clothes and bones" that were discovered during the recent search for Madeleine McCann, according to reports. Last Thursday saw the conclusion of a three-day operation by German and Portuguese detectives, who combed through a 120-acre area in Lagos, Portugal. This latest effort aimed to uncover fresh evidence against Christian Brueckner, the main suspect, took place roughly 30 miles from where Madeleine vanished in May 2007 at the age of three. Despite initial indications suggesting no new leads had emerged, it's now been reported that fragments of clothing and bones found at the site are set for analysis this week. The search, marking the first of its kind since 2023, involved intensive examination of the local terrain and derelict buildings, including an abandoned farmhouse. Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here . A source disclosed to Berlin Morning Post: "Several objects have apparently been discovered, which are now being examined in more detail by the police in the laboratory," reports the Mirror. "As Portuguese media report, clothing debris and bones were found, among other things. "The investigators have not officially commented on whether the finds could have anything to do with Madeleine's disappearance but that is clearly their hope." A search team close to Praia De Luz in Portugal (Image: PA Wire/PA Images ) Article continues below Christian Brueckner, currently serving a prison sentence for raping a 72 year old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005, reportedly sent a letter to the police regarding the Madeleine McCann case, stating "decisive questions can never be answered". The note, which German media have seen, suggests a series of questions that could potentially link him to the disappearance of the three year old girl. In his letter, Brueckner wrote: "It is the important questions, the decisive questions that can never be answered. "Was I or my vehicle clearly seen near the crime scene on the night of the crime? Is there DNA evidence of me at the crime scene? "Are there DNA traces of the injured party in my vehicle? Are there other traces/DNA carriers of the injured party in my possession? Photos? And, don't forget, is there a body/corpse? All no, no no." The date of the letter's composition remains unclear. Meanwhile, a new documentary has revealed unsettling findings from an old warehouse once owned by Brueckner in Neuwegersleben, Germany. Article continues below The Sun reports that during a search of the premises, police found over 70 children's swimsuits, a toddler's bike, inflatable toys, and a collection of images stored on an 80GB hard drive, allegedly taken in Portugal. They also discovered a laptop, masks, guns, and a handwritten story about drugging and abducting a woman and child from outside a preschool.