Devon and Cornwall crime commissioner apologises for bodies claim

Devon and Cornwall crime commissioner apologises for bodies claim

Alison Hernandez, a police and crime commissioner representing the Conservative Party, recently issued an apology for misstating the facts surrounding an ongoing murder investigation in Cornwall. Devon and Cornwall Police clarified that only the body of one man, Daniel Coleman, has been recovered from woodland in Sticker, near St Austell, and no other remains have been found. Hernandez had initially claimed during a streamed meeting that multiple bodies had been discovered in the area, causing alarm among the public.

Det Supt Jon Bancroft emphasized that the investigation only involved the remains believed to be those of Daniel Coleman and no other bodies had been located at the scene. The police, along with forensic experts, have been conducting thorough inquiries since the discovery of Mr. Coleman’s body. James Desborough, charged with the murder of Daniel Coleman, is set to appear before Truro Crown Court in the coming month.

During a Police and Crime Panel meeting, Hernandez mentioned the presence of forensic officers and a large tent at the site where the body was found. She admitted to not having all the facts at the time and stated that the situation was under the police’s operational control. It is essential to note that police and crime commissioners, such as Hernandez, play a role in ensuring the effective functioning of police forces without directly managing them.

Det Supt Bancroft provided an update on separate murder investigations ongoing in Cornwall, confirming that they are independent of each other and not believed to be connected. He urged the public to avoid speculation, especially on social media, to prevent jeopardizing the judicial process. Hernandez, in a subsequent statement, acknowledged her lack of complete information during the mentioned meeting and expressed regret for causing alarm. The investigations also include the discovery of another body in woodland and a fatal fire at a residential property in Newquay

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