PARENTS 'MAY SUE OVER DRUG DEATH'

The parents of Rachel Whitear are considering legal action in the wake
of a damning report into the investigation of her death.

An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation,
carried out by Wiltshire Police, found a "general organisational
failure" but added individual officers did not breach the Police Code
of Conduct.

The 21-year-old shop assistant was found dead on the floor of her
bedsit with a syringe in her hand in May 2000.

Her parents Pauline and Mick Holcroft said they may also mount legal
action against the coroner and pathologist over the decision not to
hold a post mortem examination.

Devon and Cornwall Police and the coroner were criticised by Rachel's
parents after the publication of the report into the original
investigation.

Mrs Holcroft, from Ledbury, Herefordshire, said Devon and Cornwall
Police had "failed miserably," and she wanted a "full and public apology".

Heroin-user Rachel's death in Pound Street, Exmouth, was the subject
of an anti drugs video called "Rachel's Story" after shocking pictures
of her lifeless body were printed in the media.

Speaking in Exeter, where the IPCC published the report, Mrs Holcroft
said they were going to take legal advice over the content of the
papers and files in the case. She said they needed advice about
whether they took the issue any further "against Devon and Cornwall
Constabulary, which may or may not include the coroner and
pathologist".

Mrs Holcroft said the coroner, the now retired Richard Van Oppen,
"should have ensured that a post mortem examination was carried out".
The pathologist had stated he did not undertake a post mortem
examination because of Rachel's potential HIV status, Mrs Holcroft
said.

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Paul
Netherton said since Rachel's death the force had reviewed and amended
its policy regarding the investigation of drug-related deaths.