Thousands spent on court security for Nicola Bulley's inquest over TikTok fears

01 August 2023 , 08:58

896     0

Police pictured outside Nicola Bulley's inquest in June (Image: PA)

Council bosses spent thousands boosting security for Nicola Bulley's inquest over fears it would be hijacked by TikTok conspiracy ghouls.

Concerns over armchair detectives who fixated over the mum's tragic disappearance and death prompted the local authority to spend tens of thousands on measures to ensure they wouldn't disrupt proceedings during the June 26 hearing. It followed a month-long investigation into her disappearance at the end of January which saw wannabe sleuths come up with vile, damaging theories and even attempt to compromise the search.

The inquest in June heard how Nicola - known to loved ones as Nikki - died accidentally after falling into the River Wyre while walking the family dog, Willow, on January 27 this year. Her body was discovered more than weeks later further down the river.

Nicola Bulley (Lancashire Police / SWNS)

But fears the self-styled sleuths would also try to interrupt the court hearing into her death led to strict measures, with £11,049.70 spent on security. Firm FGH was contracted to man the doors at Preston coroner's court, while other coroner's office staff and events had to move elsewhere.

The figure, obtained by LancsLive, follows a hearing with tightened access, where press and members of the public had to register in advance. Inquests, like most court cases, are held in public allowing anyone to attend.

Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog

Chiefs at Lancashire County Council spent months planning the hearing's security. On the morning it took place, mounted police officers patrolled the streets around the court building, while road closures were put in place to allow parking for TV crews and barriers were erected at the main entrance.

Lancashire's Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley also addressed a packed council chamber and issued a stern warning as the hearing got underway. He said: "If anybody has the slightest inclination or is contemplating disrupting this inquest they should be aware this may amount to contempt of court."

The June inquest found Ms Bulley died accidentally after likely falling into the water (James Maloney/Lancs Live)

It's understood that, in the run-up to the hearing, the coroner's court was inundated with phone calls and letters from wannabe detectives who put forward their own theories. A break down of the money spent on running the hearing shows exactly how much was spent on what:

• FGH Security staffing: £4,114.80
• Security sundries (Bags, Tags, lanyards ,badges, barrier hire): £378.72
• Auditel Engineer: £1,600.00
• Catering: £331.18
• Relocation of pre booked events and meetings: £3,675.00
• Traffic management team: £950

The council was not charged for the extra police patrols, however. The expenditure follows multiple pleas from the family - even after the coroner's accidental death verdict was passed - for members of the public to stop with the social media harassment and speculation.

In a statement read by lawyers outside the court, Nikki's family said they had continued to receive "negative targeted messages" as well as seeing "wildly inaccurate speculation" on a number of online platforms for months. They said: "The emotional impact will stay long in our hearts and whilst we will never forget the loss of our Nikki, we will forever remember her as a brilliant mum, partner, daughter and sister that we all knew and loved so very much."

Ms Bulley's family hit out at the continued barrage of messages they received after her death was confirmed (James Maloney/Lancs Live)

The statement added: "Sadly, we feel the need to again raise and address the issue of social media. It's upsetting that we've continued to receive negative targeted messages and still wildly inaccurate speculation being shared on numerous platforms."

"We encourage people to look at the facts, the evidence which had been heard during the inquest, and the conclusion reached by the coroner, to ignore any amateur views and opinions and be mindful of the impact that words bring."

Amy Fenton