Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement death: Inquest date for 'raped' soldier

Anne-Marie Ellement was found hanged three days after her 30th birthday

A new inquest into the death of a military police officer who was found hanged after accusing two colleagues of raping her is to be heard in February.

Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement, 30, from Bournemouth, was found dead at Bulford Barracks in Wiltshire in October 2011.

An inquest in March 2012 recorded a verdict of suicide. The new inquest was ordered by the High Court after her sisters sought a judicial review.

The family described the wait for a fresh hearing as "very frustrating".

'More evidence'

Speaking after a pre-inquest hearing at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner's Court in Salisbury, Cpl Ellement's sister, Sharon Hardy, said: "There is more clarity now.

"In a way it's a good thing because it's becoming a lot clearer now that more evidence has come to light."

Her other sister, Khristina Swain, said: "It can be very frustrating that we have to wait so long for the new inquest, but as long as we get to the truth."

Cpl Ellement had alleged she was raped by two fellow Royal Military Police (RMP) soldiers while she was drunk.

RMP's Special Investigations Branch investigated the allegation but no charges were brought.

In an email to a friend, Cpl Ellement said: "Hardly anyone is talking to me. Like I'd make up something that is this bad, destroying my career and losing all my friends."

Cpl Ellement died three days after her 30th birthday.

The inquest is due to begin at the same court on 3 February and is expected to last two weeks.