Jodey Whiting: Second inquest into benefits-cut death opens

A second inquest has been officially opened into the death of a disabled woman who killed herself after her benefits were cut.

Stockton's Jodey Whiting died days after her benefits stopped in 2017.

Her mother took a lengthy legal battle to the Court of Appeal in March and was granted a new inquest.

Teesside's senior coroner, Claire Bailey, opened the fresh inquiry, saying all were present to "do what is right for Jodey".

She said she was aware of the journey Jodey's family had been on.

In February 2017, the 42-year-old took her own life after the Department of Work and Pensions withdrew welfare payments.

She had numerous physical and mental health problems and had missed a benefits assessment due to pneumonia.

Jodey was left with no income at all after her benefits were stopped.

A coroner ruled that her death was suicide. But her mother has fought for another inquiry to investigate the impact the DWP's decision had on her daughter.

The four-year legal battle saw Ms Dove challenge a ruling by two High Court judges last June, who had refused her request for a new inquest.

After she took her fight to the Court of Appeal, judges eventually ruled in March that a new inquest should take place.

Before the inquest opened on Friday morning, Ms Dove said: "What happened with Jodey has been heart-breaking.

"It was such a shock when she died and I just wanted to get justice for her.

"I see her up there still, she's still beside me and all I can do is keep fighting for her.

"I have to see this through. I have to keep going for Jodey and for other people."

A government spokesman said the DWP was ''ready to assist the new coroner with their investigation'' and could not comment on active legal proceedings.

The inquest, which is anticipated to last three days, is expected to take place next April or May.

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