Pre-inquest review into the death of Marta Elena Vento, aged 27

Marta, a Spanish national, was killed by Stephen Cole, aged 32, on 9 December 2020, at the Travelodge in Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, where Marta worked as a receptionist.

Cole had been released from prison in October 2020, and whilst in custody had presented with severe psychosis. On 4 December he was arrested for assault and held in custody overnight before he was released on bail. He was staying at the Christchurch Road Travelodge when he killed Marta in a brutal attack using a pair of clippers.

Cole pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and was sentenced at a Winchester Crown Court hearing on 1 June 2021 to be detained indefinitely in a secure hospital.

At Tuesday’s PIR the Senior Coroner, Mrs Rachael Griffin, will consider the scope of the inquest, whether Article 2 is engaged, who should be named as Interested Persons (IPs), what disclosures are needed and who should be called as witnesses.

Marta’s father, Luis Elena Blas, is represented by Benjamin Burrows and Ellie Sutherland at law firm Leigh Day.