The one person who knows how a woman’s body ended up wrapped in a duvet cover in a wardrobe is still refusing to cooperate with the authorities, an inquest has heard.
Sean Gallen was convicted of preventing the lawful burial of Sherry Hoyle in October last year after the 44-year-old mother’s body was found decomposing in a cupboard in 2020.
Gallen, who is currently serving more than 20 years in jail for not informing the authorities of her death and an unrelated sexual offence, is still refusing to cooperate.
Read more: Man convicted of preventing lawful burial by putting wrapped body in cupboard
Ms Hoyle was found in the foetal position in an inside-out duvet cover in a cupboard in the front bedroom of her rented home on Ninth Street, Horden on September 22, 2020.
She was last seen six days earlier on September 16.
Gallen was seen entering the property on September 17 and again on September 18, but refused to engage with the inquest to help give Ms Hoyle’s family answers as to how she came about her death.
Assistant Coroner Miss Janine Richards told an inquest at Crook Coroners’ Court earlier this month: “Although I had attempted to secure the cooperation of Sean Gallen in these proceedings he has declined to cooperate with this investigation.”
The inquest heard how police were called to the address after her landlord attended to collect rent but saw flies in the windows and a smelt a strong odour coming through the letterbox.
A search of the home was carried out and she was found tightly wrapped in the duvet cover, which was twisted at the top but not tied.
Detective Constable Knox said Sherry’s body was “badly decomposed and it was apparent she had been there for a period of time.”
To get more stories direct to your email basket go here
Pathologist Dr Jennifer Bolton who carried out a post-mortem examination told how Ms Hoyle’s clothing was not in place.
No DNA other than Sherry’s was found on her clothing, the inquest heard.
The inquest heard how she had moved into the home that July with her partner who was later recalled to prison. She is said to have befriended local heroin users who would visit her home from time to time to use drugs.
A post-mortem examination concluded that she died from the effects of a combination of methadone, amphetamine, cocaine, diazepam, and morphine which were all present in her system.
Recording a narrative verdict Assistant Coroner Janine Richards said: “I find that Sherry Hoyle was found deceased at her home address on September 22, 2020. I find that Sherry had a long history of drug addiction and I know that she had previously required medical attention most recently on August 17, 2020 when emergency services had to force entry to her home to assist her.
Read next:
- Security man who 'found' hoax bomb at pub wanted to be a hero
- See inside the stunning new restaurant and lounge opening in former Italians
- North East man in Cyprus murder trial tells court his wife 'begged him' to kill her
Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here
“I know that Sherry was last seen on September 16, 2020 and that her body was found wrapped in a duvet cover and concealed in a cupboard at her home address on September 22.
“Sean Gallen was convicted of preventing the proper burial of Sherry’s body but the reasons for his concealment of Sherry’s death and her body remain unknown.”
She also apologised to Ms Hoyle’s relatives in attendance, adding: “I appreciate that this investigation with the crown court trial has not been able to give you the answers that you would like to have.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel