Woman's death could have been prevented - family
FAMILY HANDOUTThe father of a murdered woman taking legal action over her death, said police "did not respond adequately" after the alarm was raised over her attack.
Michaela Hall, 49, from Mount Hawke, in north Cornwall, was killed in 2021 by her partner Lee Kendall who was later jailed for life.
She rang a friend saying she was being attacked by Kendall and feared for her life. Police attended but transcripts showed they saw no sign of a disturbance and left as they did not think they had the power to force entry.
Michaela's father Peter Hall said her death could have been prevented and police could have entered the property. Devon and Cornwall Police said it would not comment on active legal proceedings.
Peter, who has read official documents about her death, said: "To have revelation after revelation after revelation and realising that Michaela's death could have been prevented - is distressing."
Former drug addict Kendall had a history of violence and had spent time in prison being released just two weeks before the attack on Michaela.
Peter said: "They did not respond adequately."
He said the family have had a "tortuous road to get to the truth" and "learn about failings from institutions which should have supported her".
Michaela's son Shaun launched his own campaign to get what he said was justice for his mother.
It follows the conclusion of the inquest that there were errors made by the Probation Service.
Shaun said: "I am proud of myself for building up the courage to be able to do it."
He hoped protocols for the police would improve "so it will train them better, so they're more aware of people in my mum's situation, so they can react better and understand it better - which is one of the main problems they had".
Devon and Cornwall Police's Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell said it would not be appropriate to comment on any ongoing legal proceedings and the force's thoughts "remain with Michaela Hall's family and friends".
He said in 2024 the coroner found "no police actions were attributable to Michaela's death" and she "had been fatally assaulted before officers were called to her home".
The force addressed recommendations made by the Independent Office of Police Conduct and "recognised some areas of learning" which have been implemented, Colwell said.
The Ministry of Justice said it was not appropriate to comment on any ongoing legal proceedings but its thoughts remained with the family.
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