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Swanley teen Georgia Walsh's suicide at railway station after stepfather's sexual abuse

A teenage girl ran across a railway platform before jumping in front of a train following the sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather, an inquest heard.

Georgia Walsh, 16, took her own life on March 17 last year when she left a suicide note on the platform at Dunton Green station shortly after 8pm.

The barista, of The Orchards, Swanley, had just finished a shift at Costa Coffee when she indicated to a colleague she would not be returning to work the following day.

Georgia Walsh, 16, took her own life
Georgia Walsh, 16, took her own life

During an inquest at Archbishops Palace in Maidstone, Coroner Roger Hatch heard three Whatsapp messages had been sent from Georgia’s phone to her colleague moments before her death.

Georgia’s stepfather Brett Connell was jailed in April for nine years when he was convicted of sexual activity with a child.

The 36-year-old stood trial at Maidstone Crown Court during which a jury was told the youngster had written a note to say she hopes Connell “rots in hell”.

Detective Constable Nikki Blaydon told the inquest that Georgia had become quieter as her 11am-7pm shift came to an end on the day she died.

Brett Connellwas jailed for nine years for sexually abusing his stepdaughter Georgia Walsh. Picture: Kent Police
Brett Connellwas jailed for nine years for sexually abusing his stepdaughter Georgia Walsh. Picture: Kent Police

She said: “At 8.09pm there was an abandoned 999 call from a female stating she wanted to report a suicide and this phone number belonged to Georgia Walsh.

“The incident was declared unsuspicious and we recovered a note of intention.”

David Harrington, the train driver, told police he had left Charing Cross at 7.40pm and was travelling in the direction of Dover.

He put on the emergency brake but the train, travelling at 75mph, was unable to stop.

The medical cause of Georgia’s death was given as multiple severe injuries and Mr Hatch recorded a conclusion of suicide.

He said: “Having regard to the circumstances of Georgia’s death and the evidence the officer has recounted, I am left with no alternative but to record that her death was due to suicide.”

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123.

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