Express & Star

Inquiry on tragic Christina Edkins nears completion

An inquiry into the death of schoolgirl Christina Edkins is nearing completion, the Express & Star can reveal.

Published

The agency leading the review today said it would soon show the investigation's findings to the key agencies involved.

The family of Christina will also have the chance to meet the commissioner and panel members before it is published.

The inquiry involves Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, which vowed to carry out a 'thorough investigation' following the sentencing of Christina's killer Phillip Simelane.

Simelane was released from prison unsupervised before attacking the 16-year-old on a bus in March last year.

The 24-year-old from Walsall was detained indefinitely after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

It had been expected the review would be published by the end of last year.

Today, a spokesman for the Birmingham Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group said: "We are aware that the investigation into the circumstances leading up to the tragic death of Christina Edkins is nearing completion.

"This investigation has involved a number of key services who will shortly be asked to review the report findings and identify how learning will be embedded.

"Before agreeing the final publication date of this report, the families will have the opportunity to meet with the commissioner and panel members to discuss the findings."

Christina's great-uncle Chris Melia said the family had met with the review leaders in March. He said members were now waiting to be invited for discussions ahead of the publication of the report.

He said: "It is very important that lessons are learnt, that is the biggest thing for the family.

"Once we get the report too, most questions can be asked about what happened."

Last week, Leasowes High School unveiled a memorial stone for Christina in front of the school last year.

For the year anniversary of her death in March, a service was held at Birmingham Cathedral, with parents Kathleen and Jason attending.

Tonight at 6.30pm a memorial event was being held at the Hawthorns to raise money for a fund set up ni the Leasowes High School pupil's memory.

For tickets call Mr Ashbourne on 07590 686741.

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