Flack was ‘hounded’ by press before her death, inquest told
Television presenter Caroline Flack was “seriously let down by the authorities” and was “hounded” by the press over her forthcoming trial in the weeks before she killed herself, her inquest has heard.
The 40-year-old, known for hosting Love Island and The X Factor, was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington, north-east London, on 15 February. She appeared to have taken her own life.
She had been due to stand trial for assaulting her boyfriend, former tennis player and model Lewis Burton in December.
Police called to the scene of her alleged attack on him at their home described it as looking like “a horror movie”.
Yesterday, Coroner Mary Hassell, at Poplar Coroner’s Court in east London, read statements from Flack’s mother, Chris, and twin sister Jody, in which they outlined concerns they had about the presenter.
Flack’s mother could be seen weeping on video link as her statement was read.
She said: “I believe Caroline was seriously let down by the authorities and in particular the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) for pursuing the case.
“I believe this was a show trial. I feel the prosecutor was unkind to Caroline and my family.
“The result of the media attention of this hearing forced Caroline to leave her home which she loved. Being well known should not allow special treatment, but should not allow making an example of someone.”
Jody said she believed Flack tried to kill herself in December, ahead of her first appearance at the magistrates court for assault.
She said Flack was “in a very anxious state of mind” before her death.
She said: “She attempted to take her own life the night before she appeared in court. I believe the shame … was too much to deal with.”
Brian Wells, a doctor called to Flack’s hotel room the night before her court appearance, said Flack was inebriated and had apparently “taken a small overdose”. However, the inquest was told she was not suicidal, nor did she need hospital treatment.
Flack’s family had increased concerns about her mental state as the trial loomed, while Mr Burton also pleaded to the CPS to drop the case.
Flack’s management team criticised the CPS for conducting a “show trial”, which prompted a review.
However, the CPS found that her case was handled “appropriately”.
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