A detective investigating a sexual offence allegation against Britain’s Got Talent dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson told an inquest the complainant had threatened to take her own life if the claim became public.
Detective Constable Benjamin Harris of Hampshire Constabulary told Winchester Coroner’s Court Ms Donaldson had warned she would end her life “if someone found out” about the allegation.
Mr Harris said he had considered whether the reported comments might represent “a form of control” against the complainant, noting in his experience, such statements are sometimes made without genuine intent.
He added that, “with the benefit of hindsight”, he should have incorporated the complainant’s account into his risk assessment of Ms Donaldson.
Britain’s Got Talent star, 38, died at home just three days after being arrest for sexual offence | INSTAGRAM/ITV
The 38-year-old was arrested on June 4, 2023 and questioned at Basingstoke Police Station regarding the allegation, which she denied.
Mr Harris told the inquest he assessed Ms Donaldson’s risk of self-harm as “standard” following interview, saying she appeared well when he spoke with her in her cell and gave no indication she intended to harm herself.
He added she had previously seen a counsellor and knew how to access support.
After her release, Ms Donaldson did not return home and her family reported her missing.
Kerri-Anne Donaldson with professional dancer Kevin Clifton | INSTAGRAM
She was later found at a Travelodge in Woking, where she had taken an overdose.
Her sister, Cara, said Ms Donaldson was taken to St Peter’s Hospital, where she told an emergency doctor she wanted to end her life.
The family were given no care plan or guidance on discharge.
Cara spent that evening with her sister at her home in Farnborough and said she was reluctant to leave her alone.
Kerri-Anne Donaldson
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She told the inquest she warned Ms Donaldson: “If you do anything, Kerri, that will always be on my shoulders.”
Ms Donaldson reassured her she would not do anything, so Cara left.
One of Ms Donaldson’s final messages read: “Thanks for everything today”, followed by a heart emoji, leading her sister to believe she was safe.
When Ms Donaldson did not answer calls the next morning, June 7, Cara returned to the property and found her sister’s body.
Ms Donaldson reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 as part of the dance troupe Kings and Queens, which included Kai Widdrington alongside Neil Jones and Katya Jones, all of whom later became professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing.
Ms Donaldson rose to fame as a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) in 2014
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Britain’s Got Talent/Youtube
Tributes were paid by members of the dance community.
Mr Jones described her as “like my big sister”, writing that she had “the cheekiest laugh and a heart of gold”.
Joanne Clifton called the news “heartbreaking”.
Amy Dowden described her as “a beautiful dancer and kind soul”.
The inquest continues.
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