A ‘much-loved’ mother of five was found dead 24 hours after complaining to police about harassment, a pre-inquest review has heard.

Sherrie Milnes, 51, died after suffering multiple stab wounds and neck compression at a flat in Ranelagh Road, Weymouth on April 1 last year.

The death is being reviewed as a 'domestic homocide' by Dorset Council.

A pre-inquest review, held at Dorset Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, November 30, heard that Ms Milnes had complained to Dorset Police at 1.08pm on Wednesday, March 31 2021.

Rachel Griffin, Area Coroner for Dorset, said she had been ‘provided evidence’ by the Independent Office for Police Conduct that Ms Milnes had complained she was being harassed by Steven Doughty.

Mr Doughty was found dead later on April 1 at a property in Portland. An inquest opening ruled his cause of death as ‘hanging’. Police confirmed the two were known to each other.

Ms Griffin said she was “aware the conduct of Mr Doughty would be called into question” during the inquest and added: “It is not possible to say what would have happened if the police had seen (Ms Milnes) the day before (she died).

“I can’t say that even if the police had contacted (Ms Milnes before her death) it would have prevented her death.”

She added that she would want a police representative to give evidence relating to the contact with Ms Milnes when the inquest hears from witnesses and interested parties.

Ms Griffin told the family it was not the role of an inquest to ‘assign blame or culpability’ but ‘reassured’ the family that there would ‘be a thorough review into the circumstances’.

The review heard that Ms Milnes’ death has been subject to three investigations - one by Dorset Police, one by the IOPC and a third from Dorset Council, which is carrying out a ‘domestic homicide review’.

A representative from Dorset Council said the review was ‘nearing final draft stage’ and should be completed by ‘early next year’.

Ms Griffin told the family she was ‘sorry I haven’t been able to make more progress’ with her investigation’ as the ongoing investigations would inform her own.

She added: “It’s clear to me how loved Sherrie was to you all and the impact her loss will have had on you all, my thoughts are very much with you.”

Following her death last year, Ms Milnes’ family issued a statement in which they called the healthcare assistant an ‘amazing mum’.

They said: "She was the most amazing mother of five children, and a nanny to four grandchildren whom she adored.

"Sherrie’s children have coped incredibly well in spite of the devastation that they have been put through. The way they have pulled together at this time is truly admirable.

"They are each a credit to themselves and to their beautiful mum."

The inquest has been adjourned until Wednesday, June 7 2023.