12 Dec Gloucester Coroner finds Article 2 ECHR engaged in the inquest touching on the death of Johanna Line

Gold Jennings represent the family of Johanna (‘Jo’) Line in inquest proceedings touching on her death. Jo took her own life in June 2020 at the age of 28 very shortly after twice reporting serious domestic abuse to Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Despite the police and other agencies assessing the risk to Jo’s life as “high”, there was no multi-agency response to the threat to her life. At a pre-inquest hearing on 11 December 2025, the Area Coroner for Gloucestershire, Mr Roland Wooderson, ruled that the circumstances of Jo’s death suggested it is arguable that more could have been done to protect Jo and that, accordingly, her inquest must investigate the contact she had with the police and other agencies prior to her death.

A further pre-inquest hearing has been listed for 26 February 2026. A date for the final inquest hearing is to be confirmed.

Robert Hamill, of Gold Jennings, said: “we are pleased that the Coroner agrees with our clients that Jo’s tragic death warrants a detailed investigation that will fully and fearlessly examine how she might have been let down by the agencies meant to protect women experiencing domestic abuse. They hope that Jo’s inquest will be an opportunity for agencies to learn from any mistakes so that other victims will be better supported.

Jo’s family are represented by Emma-Louise Fenelon of 1 Crown Office Row, and Robert Hamill of Gold Jennings. Media enquiries should be directed to Robert Hamill at robert@goldjennings.co.uk or by phone at 0208 445 9268