Rochdale Death Ruled Accidental After Rape Acquittal

The death of a Rochdale woman has been ruled accidental after she fell from the roof of a car park following news that the man accused of raping her had been acquitted.

Mother-of-one Ms Shelvey, 41, fell to her death from the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre in Rochdale, Greater Manchester three days after hearing of the acquittal of Patrick Hall, who had been cleared of raping her and other women. Sat on a pillar at the highest point of the car park, Ms Shelvey had taken to the shopping centre roof in "a public protest" but fell to the ground after a conduit which her foot was resting on gave way.

A spokesperson for the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPPC) said:

"The IPCC investigation and the conclusion of the inquest highlight the tragic circumstances leading up to Tracy Shelvey's death. Our thoughts are with Ms Shelvey's family and friends.

"It is clear from this investigation that Ms Shelvey was known to Greater Manchester Police as a vulnerable person, and efforts had been made to understand her needs and provide assistance to her when required."

The IPCC found Greater Manchester Police had managed the incident effectively, recommending three GMP officers for commendation for their professionalism in attempting to assist Ms Shelvey on the day of her death.

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