ITV producer, 43, was ‘assaulted and victim of online abuse before she was found hanged’, inquest hears

A ITV producer was bombarded with online abuse in the days leading up to her death and she was a victim of “assault” an inquest heard.

Teresa McMahon, 43, was found dead at her flat in Little Hulton, Salford, on August 3 last year, by her dad and another man.

ITV

Teresa was reportedly assaulted before her death[/caption]

ITV

Lucy Meacock said Teresa was ‘one of the most naturally gifted journalists of her generation’[/caption]

Her heartbroken sister Naomi has revealed that she was abused online in the “days before her death” and had been assaulted on a “number of occasions”.

A pre-inquest review into the experiences producer and news editor’s death heard that she had never shown signed of “self-harm or suicidal intent” before she hung herself.

Timothy Brennand heard that Teresa had spoken about fleeing to London for three months to escape her situation.

Naomi claims that she raised “safeguarding concerns” around her sister, and the allegations of abuse had been reported to the police.

She said that officers had not yet interviewed anyone involved in the alleged incidents, despite evidence showing she was “assaulted on a number of occasions”.

She said: “Teresa said she was going to work in London with ITV for three months to get away from this [abuse].

“I am hoping the police will look into this further. Friends, colleagues, and neighbours had all reported that Teresa was attacked.

“Just because Teresa isn’t here today, it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be looked into.”

As a result of Naomi’s appeals, Granada Reports presenter Lucy Meacock, who she said was “fully aware of Teresa’s problems”, will be called as a witness at a full inquest later this year.

Mr Brennand told Naomi: ‘”If there are criminal proceedings, the coronial investigation will be suspended.

“I also have to look into if the death was preventable.”

Paying tribute to Teresa at the time, ITV said: “The Granada Reports team has had some very sad news which we want to share with you. One of our colleagues passed away this week.

“Teresa McMahon joined us six years ago. She started at Salford University as a mature student and – never doing anything by halves – she got a first.

“As a news trainee, she quickly became one of our producers and news editors.

“Teresa brought lots of energy and was great fun to work with. All of us here are devastated by her unexpected death.

“Her family have paid tribute to her saying how proud they are of all of her achievements. They described her as a ‘sassy, independent woman with great humour.”

Presenter Lucy Meacock said Teresa was “one of the most naturally gifted journalists of her generation.”

She added: “She worked tirelessly behind the scenes and always brought a special sparkle to the programme and our newsroom.

“She was very proud of her Salford roots and a fierce supporter of our region.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Teresa’s family tonight and we will miss her greatly.”

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.