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Becky Watts' body was identified by DNA, inquest hears Becky Watts' body was identified by DNA, inquest hears
(about 1 hour later)
The body of teenager Becky Watts, whose remains were found 11 days after she disappeared from her Bristol home in February, was identified through DNA tests, an inquest heard.The body of teenager Becky Watts, whose remains were found 11 days after she disappeared from her Bristol home in February, was identified through DNA tests, an inquest heard.
The disappearance of Becky, 16, sparked a huge police search that ended with her body parts being found at an address around two miles away.The disappearance of Becky, 16, sparked a huge police search that ended with her body parts being found at an address around two miles away.
Her stepbrother, Nathan Matthews, 28, has been charged with murdering Becky, while his girlfriend, Shauna Hoare, 21, is accused of perverting the course of justice. Three men and one woman are accused of helping Matthews dispose of and conceal Becky’s body parts.Her stepbrother, Nathan Matthews, 28, has been charged with murdering Becky, while his girlfriend, Shauna Hoare, 21, is accused of perverting the course of justice. Three men and one woman are accused of helping Matthews dispose of and conceal Becky’s body parts.
During a brief inquest opening at Flax Bourton, near Bristol, it was revealed that a postmortem had now taken place but no cause of death was given. The inquest was adjourned until the end of criminal proceedings.During a brief inquest opening at Flax Bourton, near Bristol, it was revealed that a postmortem had now taken place but no cause of death was given. The inquest was adjourned until the end of criminal proceedings.
No family or friends were present at the hearing.No family or friends were present at the hearing.
The coroner’s officer, Deborah Neil, told the inquest: “Her death was confirmed on 3 March by a pathologist. She was identified by DNA. The brief circumstances are that Rebecca was reported to the police as a missing person.The coroner’s officer, Deborah Neil, told the inquest: “Her death was confirmed on 3 March by a pathologist. She was identified by DNA. The brief circumstances are that Rebecca was reported to the police as a missing person.
“She was found later at an address in the Barton Hill area. She underwent a postmortem examination at Flax Bourton and people have since been charged in connection with her murder.”“She was found later at an address in the Barton Hill area. She underwent a postmortem examination at Flax Bourton and people have since been charged in connection with her murder.”
Last month, the recorder of Bristol, Neil Ford QC, set a provisional trial date for 5 October and said the case would be heard by a high court judge.Last month, the recorder of Bristol, Neil Ford QC, set a provisional trial date for 5 October and said the case would be heard by a high court judge.
Prosecuting, William Mousley QC indicated that the crown intended to draw up a joint indictment involving all six defendants and said a trial could last up to seven weeks.Prosecuting, William Mousley QC indicated that the crown intended to draw up a joint indictment involving all six defendants and said a trial could last up to seven weeks.
Becky disappeared from her home in Crown Hill, St George, Bristol, on 19 February. Police launched a huge search, including a social media campaign, after she was reported missing the following afternoon. Body parts were found at an address in Barton Court, Bristol, on 2 March.Becky disappeared from her home in Crown Hill, St George, Bristol, on 19 February. Police launched a huge search, including a social media campaign, after she was reported missing the following afternoon. Body parts were found at an address in Barton Court, Bristol, on 2 March.
Details were released earlier of Becky’s funeral. A notice was published in the Bristol Post announcing that a funeral service would be held on 17 April at St Ambrose church in the Whitehall area of Bristol.Details were released earlier of Becky’s funeral. A notice was published in the Bristol Post announcing that a funeral service would be held on 17 April at St Ambrose church in the Whitehall area of Bristol.
The notice said the church service was for family and close friends only but it would be relayed to mourners outside. Afterwards there will be a private burial reserved for family.The notice said the church service was for family and close friends only but it would be relayed to mourners outside. Afterwards there will be a private burial reserved for family.
Following the inquest opening, Becky’s family issued a statement on her funeral arrangements.
It said: “Our aim for the day is to treat this occasion as a celebration of the life of Becky. No parent, relative or friend would expect to lose a loved one at such a tender age. Becky was approaching the threshold of her adult life; she had so much to look forward to and love to share with all that were close and dear to her. We will miss her so much.”
The family also thanked those who had donated money for the funeral.
“All of us as a family, including those that knew Becky would like to express our most sincere gratitude to everyone that donated towards this day. Becky’s death has touched the hearts of so many people; some from as far away as the other side of the world. We never expected that response but we are so very grateful for your thoughts, your prayers and your donations. It is because of your kind support that we know the day will be a fitting tribute to a much loved daughter, grand-daughter, sister, niece and friend to so many people.”