Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
The family of 18-year-old Lauren Hewson, who took her own life after reporting she had been raped while working as an apprentice, has described the closure of the police investigation as a “huge miscarriage of justice.” Lauren was sexually assaulted and raped by a former staff member at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, according to evidence presented during her inquest. Despite a man being arrested and released on bail during the investigation, no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence.
Cumbria Police confirmed that their inquiry, which continued after Lauren’s death in August 2025, has now concluded. The family were informed of this decision earlier in May 2026. The teenager’s sister, Bethany Hewson, criticized both the legal outcome and the employer’s response, stating, “What we are feeling at the minute is a huge miscarriage of justice, not only legally in terms of the perpetrator walking free, but by the failings of her employer to protect a vulnerable young girl – she was still a child.” BAE Systems responded by highlighting their “rigorous safeguarding procedures to support and protect apprentices” and emphasized that these policies are regularly reviewed to stay in line with regulatory guidelines.
During the inquest at Cumbria Coroner’s Court, it was revealed that Lauren joined BAE Systems in 2023 and had blossomed into a loving and independent young woman. However, from June 2025, those close to her noticed a marked change in her behavior. She began isolating herself, withdrew from family interactions, and experienced significant weight loss. Lauren later disclosed the abuse to her family, which led to the police being notified. Tragically, on her 18th birthday, July 28, 2025, Lauren attempted suicide and was hospitalized but discharged after assuring medical staff she did not intend further harm. Just a week later, she was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead.
Helen Bamber, Lauren’s mother, shared in her statement to the inquest, “Lauren believed her life had been ruined, she just could not see a way out, but she was a strong, determined girl.” Assistant coroner Robert Cohen officially ruled the death as suicide, acknowledging the serious allegations Lauren had made and recognizing the family’s position that these events contributed to her death. The family also expressed that Lauren was “not properly safeguarded” by her employer, with her sister adding, “If Lauren had the correct support in the workplace to fit with her needs, then she may have felt brave enough to speak out and report what was going on, but sadly she didn’t have that chance.” BAE Systems reiterated their commitment to take any allegation of misconduct seriously, conducting thorough investigations while supporting those affected
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.