Apology from Police Officer in Novichok Case

A police officer has publicly apologized for incorrectly labeling Novichok victim Dawn Sturgess as a “well-known drug addict.” Temporary Supt Kerry Lawes of Wiltshire Police made this statement during an inquiry into Ms. Sturgess’s tragic death.

Background of the Incident

Ms. Sturgess died on July 8, 2018, after being exposed to a nerve agent hidden in a discarded perfume bottle. The inquiry revealed that a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter, Yulia, who were poisoned months earlier, were initially thought to have suffered from an opioid overdose. Both Skripal and his daughter survived the incident, as did then-officer Nick Bailey. Notably, Ms. Sturgess’s boyfriend, Charlie Rowley, who unknowingly gave her the contaminated bottle, also survived.

During the inquiry, it was disclosed that paramedics had suspected Mr. Rowley was suffering from nerve agent poisoning; however, police disagreed with this assessment. The initial police perspective was influenced by Mr. Rowley’s known history as a drug user.

Lawes' Public Apology

While Chief Constable Catherine Roper had previously issued an apology regarding Ms. Sturgess’s characterization as a “known drug user,” this was the first public acknowledgment by Supt Lawes. In an email to the coroner just before Ms. Sturgess’s death, Lawes expressed her belief that the police had received reports of a potential nerve agent poisoning but assumed it was a drug overdose.

“I have stated that the ambulance and fire panicked somewhat; this was an unprofessional comment to make,” Lawes admitted during the inquiry.

She further clarified that there was no intelligence supporting claims that Dawn Sturgess was involved with illegal drugs or addiction.

Investigation Insights

Detective Sergeant Eirin Martin, who took over the case shortly after Ms. Sturgess’s death, corroborated that the initial theory suggested both Ms. Sturgess and Mr. Rowley had ingested drugs contaminated with pesticides, leading to an overdose situation. This hypothesis prompted her to request a press release on July 2, warning about a possible “bad batch” of drugs circulating at the time.

The inquiry continues as more evidence is gathered regarding this complex case involving nerve agent exposure and its tragic consequences for those affected.