Public Inquiry Into Dawn Sturgess’ Death From Novichok Poisoning Begins in Salisbury
A public inquiry into the tragic death of Novichok poisoning victim Dawn Sturgess is set to begin hearing evidence this week. Chaired by retired Supreme Court justice Lord Hughes of Ombersley, the inquiry will investigate the events leading up to Sturgess’ death in 2018 and determine responsibility for the incident, told the Independent.
Dawn Sturgess, a 44-year-old mother of three, died after being exposed to the deadly chemical weapon Novichok, which was left in a discarded perfume bottle in Amesbury, Wiltshire. Her boyfriend, Charlie Rowley, also fell critically ill but survived. The poisoning occurred just months after the attempted murder of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia, and police officer Nick Bailey in nearby Salisbury. All three survived their exposure to the nerve agent.
Rowley later revealed that he had found the perfume bottle in a charity shop and gave it to Sturgess as a gift, not knowing it contained Novichok. Within 15 minutes of spraying the substance on her wrists, Sturgess collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where she tragically passed away on July 8, 2018, told Daily Mail.
The inquiry comes after a preliminary hearing in June, where the Sturgess family expressed their desire for the Skripals to provide oral evidence, as there were “unanswered questions.” However, due to safety concerns, the Skripals will not testify in person. Lord Hughes explained that there is an “overwhelming risk” of a physical attack on the Skripals if their location is revealed, even remotely. Instead, statements and transcripts of police interviews with the Skripals have been provided.
The Salisbury poisonings gained international attention in 2018 when Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a park bench. Authorities confirmed that the nerve agent used was of Russian origin, leading to diplomatic tensions between the UK and Russia. Then-prime minister Theresa May declared that it was “highly likely” Russia was responsible, leading to the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats.
In September 2018, Scotland Yard charged two Russian nationals, Anatoliy Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin, with offenses related to the Skripal attack. Despite international arrest warrants, the suspects remain out of reach due to Russia’s refusal to extradite its citizens.
As the inquiry begins in Salisbury, it aims to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Sturgess’ death and provide some closure to her family. However, former prime minister Theresa May has expressed that while the inquiry may reveal the truth, full justice is “unlikely” to be achieved.