Partner terminated kidney treatment and passed away following suicide of lifelong lover during flawed police operation
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a botched police raid in Northumbria has left a trail of tragedy and loss. The incident, which took place over two years ago, has since led to the deaths of two young lives and a series of apologies from the Northumbria Police.
The raid, intended to apprehend individuals involved in a suspected crime, tragically led to the wrongful arrest of Craig Jackson at gunpoint. The ordeal, as described by Craig, was harrowing: "I saw green dots reflecting from the wall from the armed police, dogs were barking, sirens were blaring and I was pinned to the ground."
Sadly, the events that unfolded after the raid had dire consequences. Craig Jackson's long-time partner, Cherry Turner, developed an anxiety disorder as a result of the incident. The delay in the investigation, which lasted over two months, only added to Cherry's fear and belief that the police had bugged her house.
The delay had another tragic outcome. Just seven months after the botched raid, Cherry Turner took her own life. The news sent shockwaves through the community, and the Northumbria Police quickly conducted an investigation and apologised for the failings identified.
The right man was arrested more than two months later, and the police admitted their mistake, stating, "We got the wrong man." However, the damage had already been done. Craig Jackson, who had received a kidney transplant from his father in 2017, made the heart-rending decision to end his kidney treatment this year due to his inability to live without Cherry Turner.
Craig passed away in January 2023, leaving behind a family who are still grappling with the loss. Cherry's family, too, continues to mourn her loss. In a poignant family statement, they expressed the pain and heartbreak felt by both families, hoping that their story will never be forgotten.
Paul Dunn, the solicitor representing Cherry's family, has been vocal about the impact of the botched raid. He stated, "The botched raid had dire consequences." The Northumbria Police, in response, have vowed to carefully consider the findings of the inquest, with the aim of preventing such tragedies from happening in the future.
As we remember Craig and Cherry, let us hope that their story serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the human cost of police errors. Their story is a stark reminder that every action, no matter how small, can have far-reaching consequences.
