Inquest Reveals BGT Dancer's Fears Before Tragic Death
A Britain's Got Talent dancer who died in a suspected suicide informed a doctor that she no longer thought she was 'definitely going to prison' after facing allegations of a child sex offence, an inquest has been told. Kerri-Anne Donaldson, who reached the semi-final of the ITV show in 2014 as part of the dance group Kings and Queens, was found hanged at her home in Farnborough, Hampshire, on June 7, 2023.
Three days earlier, the 38-year-old had been questioned at Basingstoke Police Station about an alleged sexual offence, which she firmly denied. Following her arrest, Ms Donaldson went missing and was discovered at a Travelodge hotel in Woking, Surrey, after taking an overdose. She was subsequently taken to St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey on June 5, but tragically, the day after being discharged, she was found dead at her residence.
Psychiatrist's Assessment and Misjudged Risks
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Martin Williams, one of three mental health professionals who evaluated Ms Donaldson prior to her release, testified at Winchester Coroners' Court. He stated that he believed her suicide risk had diminished and that she had expressed a shift in her mindset, no longer fearing imprisonment. Dr Williams remarked, 'We considered the possibility she was masking a higher level of risk than she was saying, but all the indications were that she was settling and the risk was markedly reduced from the previous day.'
However, Dr Williams acknowledged making incorrect assumptions about her situation. He did not have access to notes from psychiatric liaison nurse Serina Juru, who had initially assessed Ms Donaldson's suicide risk as 10 out of 10. These notes revealed that the dancer had said she would take her own life once her sister left her alone, a critical detail Dr Williams was unaware of during his evaluation.
Police Procedures and Family Tributes
Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah McConnell of Hampshire Constabulary defended the police's actions, noting that an officer had conducted an enhanced risk assessment appropriately without disclosing the nature of the offence to medical staff, as Ms Donaldson did not wish to share it. She described the allegations as related to 'child sex offending' and explained that the assessment was used as a precautionary measure.
Detective Constable Benjamin Harris, who led the investigation, confirmed that the complainant had reported Ms Donaldson threatening suicide if the allegation became public. He considered this might be a 'form of control' but emphasized the seriousness of the offences, which necessitated protective measures.
Ms Donaldson's sister, Cara, paid a heartfelt tribute in court, describing her as having a 'heart of gold' and being a beloved dance teacher in the community. Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones, a former troupe member, also honored her memory on social media, calling her 'like a big sister' with a 'cheekiest laugh.'
The four-day inquest continues, shedding light on the complex circumstances surrounding this tragic loss.
