Former rugby league star Ricky Bibey left his ex-girlfriend Jennie Platt with life-changing injuries before he was found dead in a hotel room in Florence, Italy, an inquest has heard. Ms Platt suffered multiple injuries after a violent struggle with the 6ft 2in, nearly 19-stone former athlete, who played for Wigan Warriors, Leigh Centurions, St Helens and Wakefield Trinity.
Attack and Death in Florence
Ms Platt told Rochdale Coroners' Court she travelled to Italy with Mr Bibey in July 2022 hoping to revive their relationship. On the night of July 16, after a day of drinking and drug use, an argument escalated. Ms Platt said she tried to sleep in the bathroom but Mr Bibey 'yanked her out'. She 'fought back' but eventually lost consciousness. When she woke, she saw Mr Bibey's body. She attempted resuscitation and sought help from a neighbouring room.
Mr Bibey's naked body was later discovered at the Continentale Hotel. An Italian autopsy and a second post-mortem in the UK recorded the cause of death as 'neck compression'. Pathologist Dr Charles Wilson noted injuries consistent with the hotel room evidence but could not determine if the compression was self-inflicted or caused by another. Toxicology tests found cocaine and alcohol in his system.
Injuries and Police Investigation
Ms Platt ended up in intensive care requiring multiple surgeries. She was initially treated as a suspect by Italian police but later cleared. Detective Inspector Clare Harrison of Greater Manchester Police told the court that Florence detectives concluded Ms Platt was so badly injured she 'physically would not have been able' to apply the force to Mr Bibey's neck.
Ms Platt described the attack: 'It was like his eyes. It was like a demon. His eyes were quite glazed.' She said she screamed for help but 'no noise was coming out'. The inquest heard she suffered 'exceptional trauma' and her injuries were 'not compatible with her being responsible for any act of violence'.
Mental Health and Addiction Struggles
The inquest heard Mr Bibey had long-standing mental health problems and addiction issues after retiring from rugby due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. He received treatment at Sporting Chance clinic, founded by Tony Adams, and private rehab in Bolton. His father paid for multiple interventions, but Mr Bibey relapsed each time. Ms Platt said his drug use was 'like a crutch' and he felt 'really lost'. Before the Italy trip, his behaviour became 'really erratic' and he 'went off the rails'.
Inquest Verdict
Assistant Coroner Lisa Judge recorded an open verdict, stating the medical cause of death was neck compression but the evidence did not establish on the balance of probabilities whether he intended to end his life. She noted Mr Bibey had been 'floundering' after retirement, which had provided 'structure' and 'purpose'. Drug and alcohol consumption before his death 'materially affected his personality and judgement'. She accepted Ms Platt's account that she was 'subjected to serious violence' and acted in self-defence.
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