‘Britain’s Got Talent’ dancer found dead days after being accused in child sex crimes

Inquest hears former ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ dancer died days after arrest over child sex allegations

An inquest has heard that former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Kerri Anne Donaldson died just days after being arrested over alleged child sex offences. Proceedings at Winchester Coroner’s Court are examining the circumstances surrounding the 38 year old dancer’s death in June 2023 and the events leading up to it.

Donaldson, who reached the semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 as part of dance troupe Kings and Queens, was arrested on June 4, 2023 and questioned by police. She denied the allegations during interview. The court was told that she was released pending further investigation but did not return home. She was reported missing by her family the following day.

Evidence presented to the inquest stated that Donaldson had allegedly told the child who reported the offences that she would take her own life if the allegations were disclosed. Detective Constable Benjamin Harris from Hampshire Constabulary told the court he believed those remarks were a manipulative form of control rather than an immediate or credible threat. He said such statements can be used in similar cases without intent to carry them out.

Donaldson was later discovered unresponsive at a hotel in Woking, Surrey, and was taken to hospital after what was described as an apparent overdose. On June 6, 2023, medical professionals conducted a mental health assessment. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Martin Williams told the inquest that Donaldson expressed confidence she could challenge the accusations and did not appear to have active plans to harm herself. He said she stated she no longer feared imprisonment to the same extent and believed she had a strong defence.

Following the assessment, she was discharged from hospital care. Her sister accompanied her home and later left after being reassured that she was safe. Donaldson was found dead the next morning on June 7, 2023.

The four day inquest is continuing to examine police actions, medical decisions and the handling of the threats allegedly made prior to her death. The case has prompted renewed discussion online about safeguarding procedures, mental health evaluations and the responsibilities of authorities when suspects express suicidal ideation.

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