Relatives of Bradford mother-of-three Sharon Batey, who died in police custody nearly three years ago, have welcomed the fixing of an inquest date.

Mrs Batey’s sister, Yvonne Watson, told the Telegraph & Argus she hoped the family would soon be able to get some closure after her death.

The family has waged a long battle for answers about why 41-year-old Mrs Batey died at Trafalgar House police station in Bradford, in July, 2008.

The mother, an alcoholic, died from Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome after collapsing in her cell. She had earlier been arrested at her home in Browning Street, Barkerend, for allegedly being drunk in charge of a child.

Her family was unhappy with the findings of an Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation into Mrs Batey’s death, and questioned the care she received from health professionals while she was in custody.

They welcomed the commissioning, by West Yorkshire Coroner Roger Whittaker, of an independent report into the death, but have been frustrated by delays to the inquest being heard, due to the gathering of expert medical evidence.

The family has now been told the inquest will be held in October.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A