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The family of a young policewoman who was found dead on a Greek holiday island in 2023 faces at least another six-month wait for answers after an inquest into her death was delayed.
Hannah Byrne, 22, who served as a constable with Surrey Police’s neighbourhood policing team in Reigate, was on the first night of her holiday in Corfu when she suffered a fatal head injury after falling several metres in September 2023.
She was found dead on the side of a main road by a passerby the morning after her fall.
Greek authorities believed her fatal injuries sustained outside a bar were compatible with an “accidental” fall.
However, they were also investigating whether Ms Byrne had unwittingly drunk alcohol laced with methanol.
On Tuesday, West Sussex Area Coroner Joseph Turner adjourned Ms Byrne’s inquest, which was originally opened on September 18, 2023, for another six months.
“We are still awaiting information and material from the Greek authorities,” coroner’s officer Anna Soczewka told the court in Horsham.
Her family and friends will now have to wait until November 18 for her case to be heard at West Sussex Coroners Court.
Shortly after her death, her family said: “Our beloved Hannah was beautiful inside and out. She was extremely kind, funny, caring and had a real zest for life.
“She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.”
At the time, Chief Superintendent Chris Colley, Divisional Commander for East Surrey, said: “Hannah’s death has been a shock for everyone who knew her. She was a bright, enthusiastic and respected officer just at the start of her career in policing and she will be sadly missed. As a Force, we are now doing everything we can to support her family and her colleagues at this extremely difficult time.”
The Greek town has long been a favourite amongst British tourists, with around half a million usually travelling to Corfu each year.
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