Inquest told alleged stabbing led to death

A YOUNG woman died from head and neck injuries following an alleged assault, an inquest has been told.

The death of Poppy Devey Waterhouse, inset, is under investigation after the emergency services were called to a reported stabbing at a flat in Richmond Hill in Leeds at about 9am on December 14.

Miss Devey Waterhouse, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics called to the flat just outside the city centre.

An inquest in Wakefield was told yesterday that a male occupant of the flat on The Avenue was arrested by police following the death of London-born Miss Devey Waterhouse, who worked as an analyst.

Opening the inquest, Coroner Jonathan Leach said: “On the morning of December 14, a call was received by the ambulance service in relation to an assault by stabbing at an address in Leeds. “A male occupant of the property, who was present, was arrested and an investigation was commenced by West Yorkshire Police.”

Mr Leach said a post mortem examination gave a preliminary cause of death as head and neck trauma. The hearing at Wakefield Coroner’s Court was adjourned as police inquiries continue and will resume at a later date.

Joe Atkinson, 25, of The Avenue, Richmond Hill, Leeds, is due to appear at Leeds Crown Court today for a plea and trial preparation hearing after being remanded in custody.