INFO:

The mother of a schoolgirl who died three days after taking an overdose of prescription tablets has said her daughter was ‘betrayed’. Semina Halliwell, 12, from Southport, died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool on June 12, 2021. An inquest into her death has now come to an end, with the conclusion described by grieving mum Rachel Halliwell as “enormously dissatisfying”. The inquest heard the year seven Stanley High School pupil had suffered from months of bullying and harassment after allegedly being sexually abused by a boy in January 2021. On the night of June 8 - one day before Semina was due to give a video interview about the alleged rape - Merseyside Police were once again called to the family home. At around 12am on June 9, Semina went upstairs, saying she had “had enough”. She then made a number of videos of herself crying and miming to songs on her phone, followed by a video of what appeared to be empty pill packets on her bed. She was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where she died on June 12 2021. Rachel Halliwell spoke following the conclusion of the inquest at Bootle Town Hall. In a statement on their website, Merseyside Police said: “Following the inquest into the death of Semina Halliwell the Assistant Coroner for Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens, Johanna Thompson, has this afternoon [Thursday, Feb 13] concluded that Semina Halliwell had a complex social history, her death arose as a consequence of her taking her mother’s prescription medication in distress, and her intent at that time is unknown. She also stated that there was no suggestion of any systemic breach on the part of Merseyside Police and she added there was no evidence authorities could have prevented Semina’s death by overdose. “We would like to express our thoughts and condolences to Semina’s mum and family. No parent should have to suffer the loss of a child and we can only begin to try and understand their suffering following her death.”