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Woman, 25, ‘who was told that jury wouldn’t believe she had been raped’ took her own life
AN “EXTREMELY bright” PhD student killed herself after she was reportedly told jurors wouldn’t believe she’d been raped, an inquest has heard.
Talented Josie Jolley, 25, was reportedly told a court wouldn’t convict her alleged attacker – because she’d held hands with him, it was heard.
Josie Jolley died after she was reportedly told jurors wouldn’t believe her rape claim – as she’d been pictured on CCTV holding hands with her alleged attacker
The graduate was found dead at her Brighton home after taking a fatal overdose of her mother’s medication.
Her mum, Jacqueline, was in hospital on the night of Ms Jolley’s death – but grew gradually more worried when she couldn’t get hold of her daughter.
Eventually, two friends went to the house, and found the tragic young woman unresponsive in bed.
This week, an inquest at Brighton Coroner’s Court heard Ms Jolley had made an allegation of rape in December 2019, the Brighton Argus reports.
Sussex Police referred the case to their colleagues in the Met – but detectives decided to take no further action.
A coroner said the decision may not have been “directly causative” – and could not be definitely given as a reason for the tragedy.
Detective Inspector James Meanwell of Sussex Police told the inquest CCTV footage from the evening showed Ms Jolley holding hands with her alleged rapist, which would “undermine” a prosecution case.
AlamyJosie was a PhD student at the University of Sussex – and colleagues said she was their ‘brightest’ star[/caption]
He said: “Often it’s one person’s word against another’s. The burden of proof is quite high in criminal court and that’s where the issue is.
“Josie was interviewed on January 14 last year. In this case, she was saying it was non-consensual and the suspect was saying it was consensual. They had met for the first time that evening.
“There was CCTV footage from the location, but no footage from the actual area of the offence.
“There was CCTV footage of them holding hands, which would be undermining for a prosecution to take place.”
Ms Jolley, who had studied in the geography department at the University of Sussex, had previously been in a relationship with one of her PhD supervisors. This had ended in July 2019, the court heard.
One of Ms Jolley’s oldest friends, Ruby, told the inquest: “The break-up was something she had processed. The attack happened and I don’t think it was something she could get over.
“But I do feel she was someone who could take negative things and apply them to life in a positive way. She was incredibly strong and outgoing.”
Josie was one of the most remarkable young women… it’s the worse for humanity that she’s not here now
Coroner
Mental health services were aware of Ms Jolley, and she had told the university she was feeling suicidal, it was heard.
However, she didn’t want to engage with counsellors or take anti-depressants, the coroner was told.
She made an initial suicide attempt on August 11 2020
The coroner said Ms Jolley had found “events in her life” to be “extremely traumatic”.
However, as both her break-up and the alleged rape took place months before her death, she said: “I don’t consider it to be directly causative but I do think there was a lot going on and I think Josie was a worrier.”
You are not alone
Every 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
Movember, www.uk.movember.com
Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
It was concluded that Ms Jolley had taken her own life.
The cause of death was respiratory depression, with depression and anxiety as contributing factors.
The coroner said: “I must say that Josie is one of the most remarkable young women I have come across.
“It’s the worse for humanity that she has not lived longer but this is a decision she has made.
“She has made a lasting impression on the university and leaves behind a legacy.”
In a tribute written by her supervisors for the Royal Geographical Society, Ms Jolley was described as “unquestionably the brightest and most talented postgraduate who has ever come through the geography department at the University of Sussex”.
Speaking after the inquest, Jayne Aldridge, director for student experience at the university, said: “We are desperately sad about what happened to Josie.
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“She was a bright student who had worked so hard during her many years at Sussex.
“Our thoughts continue to be with her family and friends.”
If you have been affected by this story, the Samaritans charity has a free helpline you can call on 116 123, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
