Semina Halliwell: No evidence authorities could have prevented 12-year-old's overdose death, coroner says

An inquest into a 12-year-old girl's fatal overdose, after she told police she was raped by an older boy, has found no evidence her death could have been prevented by authorities.

Semina Halliwell died in June 2021 after taking a toxic drug used to treat a chronic condition at her home in Southport, Merseyside.

She was put in an induced coma but suffered multiple organ failure.

Semina's mother Rachel Halliwell said her daughter had been repeatedly harassed after reporting the older boy, who she said had groomed her on Snapchat for months.

Ms Halliwell said they reported the rape allegation to police, but Semina "felt like she wasn't believed" which "destroyed" her.

Videos of Semina being bullied were directed at the family following the funeral, as were messages celebrating her death, her family told Sky News, while vandals also trashed her grave.

Relatives have also claimed Merseyside Police officers initially discouraged her from pressing charges against the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

However, the force said her complaint had been treated "very seriously".

On Thursday, a coroner said Semina - who had autism - had a "complex social history and her death arose as a consequence of taking an overdose while in a state of distress" and her "intent at that time was unknown".

"The evidence has not revealed that real and immediate risk to Semina's life was known to state agencies which would have made her death preventable by the state," said coroner Johanna Thompson.

"Where there are any shortcomings that have been identified [by the authorities] I have no evidence as to speculation what difference that would have made."

The family claimed police, Semina's school, health trusts and Sefton Council had breached their duties towards her - but the coroner said she found no evidence of this.

Speaking outside court, Rachel Halliwell rejected the coroner's finding and insisted Semina was failed.

"My daughter reported a sexual assault. In doing so, she seemed to fall off the radar and through the cracks of policy," she said.

Ms Halliwell also claimed a lot of "important evidence" had not been allowed at the inquest.

"My fight for my daughter continues," she told reporters. "Semina lost her life and her voice, and I am here, and I will not stop until I am heard."

Ms Halliwell said the current system to protect women and girls was not fit for purpose.

"Our children are falling through the net," she said.

"It's no wonder children who are being abused - being raped - that they're not coming forward because they're being failed all the time."

Read more from Sky News:
Driver clocked doing 122mph in 30mph zone
Recording captures audio of Titanic submersible implosion

Detective Constable Chris Loughead told the inquest at Bootle Town Hall that Semina's allegation had been taken "very seriously".

The court heard Semina had withdrawn her complaint but later changed her mind and was due to have a video interview the day after her fatal overdose.

Chairman of Sefton Safeguarding Children Partnership Dr Risthardh Hare said their sympathies remained with Semina's family.

He said: "We welcomed the inquest as it is important to understand the full circumstances surrounding Semina's death and what further learning there could be to practice across the partnership.

"The priority of the Sefton Safeguarding Children Partnership is always to ensure children and young people in Sefton receive the support they need, and we will continue to work together as partners across Sefton to ensure that the right level of support is available to the children who need it."

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

(c) Sky News 2025: Semina Halliwell: No evidence authorities could have prevented 12-year-old's overdos