Worthing murderer could change UK law with ‘deeply offensive’ intervention: this is how

A murderer from Worthing has waded in on a High Court battle launched by his victim’s family to find out if her death could have been prevented by police.
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In 2017, Robert Trigg was found guilty of murdering his partner Susan Nicholson at her home in Rowlands Road, Worthing, on April 17, 2011, and of the manslaughter of another partner, Caroline Devlin, 35, on Mother’s Day in 2006.

He only faced justice after Susan’s parents spent their life savings getting the case to court.

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Lawyers for Susan’s family argued that had Sussex Police properly investigated Caroline’s death at the time – given his history of domestic violence which was known to the force – Susan may still be alive today.

Robert Trigg, pictured in 2017 outside Lewes Crown Court during the murder and manslaughter trialRobert Trigg, pictured in 2017 outside Lewes Crown Court during the murder and manslaughter trial
Robert Trigg, pictured in 2017 outside Lewes Crown Court during the murder and manslaughter trial

This week, they took their fight to the High Court for a special inquest, known as an Article 2 Inquest, that could investigate if Sussex Police failed in its responsibility to protect Susan.

An inquest in December 2011 found Susan’s death was accidental. But this conclusion was quashed after the guilty verdict, and another inquest will be held.

Penelope Schofield, senior coroner for West Sussex, ruled last year the case did not meet the legal threshold for an Article 2 inquest. It was this decision the High Court judges were examining.

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As part of the proceedings, Trigg’s sister-in-law Joanne Lee, a legal professional, argued on his behalf that this new inquest should look again at if he was responsible for Susan’s death, using evidence not heard at the murder trial.

Susan Nicholson, aged 27Susan Nicholson, aged 27
Susan Nicholson, aged 27

She said if the coroner’s investigation differed from the jury’s verdict, Trigg may use it to appeal his conviction and 25-year prison sentence.

If the judges were to side with Ms Lee’s interpretation of the law, it could set a legal precedent that would shape UK law in the future.

Heather Williams QC, representing Susan’s family, said it was a ‘back door attempt’ to get ‘a second bite of the cherry’ and was ‘deeply offensive’ to Caroline and Susan’s families.

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She said: “It is a shocking prospect that an inquest could redetermine the properly arrived-at conclusion of a criminal prosecution.

“As far as I can tell, it has never happened.”

But Ms Lee said: “This is not a snide way to try to appeal Robert Trigg’s conviction; it is a proper and lawful way based on the wording of the law.”

Ms Schofield has taken a neutral stance on the High Court case.

But Sussex Police argued it should be dismissed and said it would seek legal costs of at least £6,000 from Susan’s parents if successful, according to the family’s lawyers. Click here to support their fundraiser.

A decision will be made by the judges in due course.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “The court has reserved its judgement to a later date and it would not be appropriate for us to make any comment at this time.”