The Independent inquiry investigating how serial killer and necrophile David Fuller was able to carry out his crimes undetected, has entered its second phase, which will examine how the dead are looked after around the country.
Fuller, jailed in 2021 for double murder, sexually abused the bodies of at least 101 women and girls in Tunbridge Wells mortuaries between 2005-2020.
The second phase seeks to understand current arrangements for the care and protection of the deceased and is calling on funeral directors and employees of private mortuaries, funeral parlours, and private ambulance services to get in touch.
To this end, the Inquiry has published a response form to complete for those working in these sectors on arrangements for safeguarding the deceased.
The questionnaire covers a range of questions, including security measures, access to the deceased, changes to the sector following Fuller’s crimes, and relevant information to the Inquiry.
Chair of the Inquiry, Sir Jonathan Michael, announced the beginning of the second phase after “making good progress with the first phase of the Inquiry”.
The first phase asked for staff members of Kent and Sussex Hospital or the old Pembury Hospital from the mid-1990s onwards to come forward following new “allegations of inappropriate behaviour”.
Sir Jonathan said: “We have received a wealth of evidence, during the first phase of the Inquiry, which relates specifically to the crimes committed by David Fuller in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.
“We are grateful to all the witnesses who have come forward to assist with this stage of the Inquiry, particularly the brave families who have shared their stories.”
The investigation into these allegations is “still ongoing” and a number of witnesses have come forward since the appeal. These investigations will continue alongside phase two.
It is expected the phase one report will be published by the end of 2023.
As part of phase two, the Inquiry would also like to hear from people on what they think should be done to prevent such crimes from ever happening again.
People working in the traditional and direct funeral sector, private mortuaries and private ambulances,
are invited to complete a response form available to download at: fuller.independent-inquiry.uk/announcements/ by 4pm on Friday August 11, 2023.
Anyone with information can contact the inquiry via email: contact@fuller.independent-inquiry.uk.
