A FORMER SALFORD ONLINE JOURNALIST HAD BEEN VICTIM OF ASSAULT AND ONLINE ABUSE IN DAYS BEFORE HER DEATH

Terresa McMahon was a former Salford Online journalist who went on to achieve great success at ITV as a producer and news editor, it was revealed today that she had been the victim of assault and subjected to online abuse more than once in the time shortly before tragically taking her own life on August 3rd 2021.

Despite family members being unaware of any intent to commit self harm or suicide, the 43-year-old was found hanged inside her flat in Little Hulton by her father and another unnamed man.

Although her sister Naomi told senior Coroner Timothy Brennand that she was aware that her sister had been assaulted on a number of occasions which lead to her at one point having to flee to London for a period of three months to escape her situation, there was no indication she was suicidal.

During the hearing at Bolton Coroners Court, it was established that the police had previously received reports of abuse from friends, colleagues and relatives before her tragic death.

Her sister expressed a hope that the police would now look into the case further.

Saying:

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"Just because Teresa isn't here today, it doesn't mean it shouldn't be looked into."

As a result of Naomi's appeals, Granada Reports presenter Lucy Meacock, said she was 'fully aware of Teresa's problems', and expects she will be called upon as a witness at a full inquest to be held later this year.

Mr Brennand told Naomi:

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'If there are criminal proceedings, the coronial investigation will be suspended.'

He said that his jurisdiction extended only to how Ms McMahon died, but added: 'I also have to look into if the death was preventable.'

 

Teresa can only be described as a hard worker who put her heart and soul into whatever job she undertook. Her time at Salford Online is filled with happy memories of a hardworking mother who was dedicated to the profession she loved as well as to her family.

She was described as a beautiful soul by all who met her.

It was a cause for immense pride when Teresa moved onto the job of her dreams and she will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

If you have been subjected to abuse, either physical or online, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for futher details.