Inquest into Blackhall crash which claimed the life of toddler and teenager suspended as investigation continues

An inquest into the death of a toddler and teenager who died in a car crash has been suspended as criminal charges may be brought against a woman.

By Sophie Brownson

Published 26th Jan 2021, 15:42 BST

Updated 26th Jan 2021, 16:08 BST

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Three-year-old Kelsey Marie Mary Maggie Stokes and Shauna Christina Stokes, 17, died following the collision between a blue Peugeot 206 and a van on the Coast Road between Horden and Blackhall on Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

The toddler died on the same day as the tragedy, while Shauna died the following day on September 3, 2020.

The pair, from Derry in Northern Ireland, were on the way to a birthday celebration for Shauna and her twin sister, Kelly.

A funeral was held for them back in Londonderry, while flowers were also left close to the scene of the collision.

A funeral was held for them back in Londonderry, while flowers were also left close to the scene of the collision.

CPS to consider charges over Blackhall crash which claimed the life of toddler a...

A mention hearing into their inquests was held on Monday, January 25, by County Durham's senior coroner Jeremy Chipperfield at the Civic Centre in Crook, Durham.

The short session heard that criminal charges may be brought against a woman as an investigation into the deaths of the two girls continues.

Mr Chipperfield said he would suspend the case for eight weeks as he waited for further details on whether other proceedings will need to go ahead first

The scene of a RTA on the road between Horden (to the right) and Blackhall.

The scene of a RTA on the road between Horden (to the right) and Blackhall.

He adjourned the case for a further mention hearing on Monday, March 22 at 11.30am at the coroner’s court based at Durham Miners’ Hall in Redhills, Durham.

Following the inquest hearing a spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “The investigation remains ongoing and a file has been submitted to the CPS.”

Kelsey and Shauna, who are said to be cousins, were laid to rest following a requiem mass at St Joseph’s Church in Galliagh in their home city, while tributes were also left to them close to the scene of the crash.

Mourners wore pink, with some decorated with photos of the girls, while a plane displaying the message “two beautiful angels left for heaven” flew over their friends and family as they gathered.

Following the funeral service, where images of the pair were put on display, both girls were taken by horse-drawn carriage, one at a time, to their place of rest.

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