A teenager was found dead off the coast of Dorset after hearing that a man she accused of rape should be released from prison, he heard an investigation.
Gaya Pope-Sutherland, 19, was reported missing from her home in Swansea on November 7, 2017, and was found dead 11 days later in the bushes between Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point.
A large-scale search operation was launched in the Swansea area, involving police, the HM Coast Guard, the Dorset National Police Search, Search and Rescue Service and members of the public.
The teenager, who suffered from severe epilepsy, was worried on the day she was last seen alive about the impending release from prison of the man she accused of raping her, Dorset court heard.
Miss Pope-Sutherland was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after she said she was raped by her husband when she was 16 years old.
The charge led to an investigation, but no charge.
On the first day of her investigation at Bournemouth City Hall, the jury looked at the portrait with a video pen created by Miss Pope-Sutherland’s family.
Tuned to music, the three-minute video shows several images of Gaia and is narrated by members of her family.
Twin sister Maya Pope-Sutherland began the story with the words: “Gaia grew up in Dorset with her mother Natasha, older sister Clara, twin sister Maya and cousin Mariena.
“Gaia loved her family and her home very much. She was the happiest of Perbeck’s nature, introduced to her by her grandparents, inspired by her beauty and wildlife to create art.
“Or, of course, hugging her beloved cat Bella, a lifeguard who tends to scratch others but who allows Gaia to rock her like a baby.”
Image: Members of the public join the search for Gay in Durlston Country Park Image: People participate in a candlelight vigil at Prince Albert’s Gardens in Swanege, Dorset
Gaia’s mother Kim Pope said: “Gaia was a force of nature and fiercely loyal to those she loved. Although she was bullied at school or maybe because of it, she was always ready to stand up for those who needed it.
“She was a shoulder to cry on and a friend she could count on. There was never a dull moment with Gaia around – or quiet.
“She had a happy character, a ready and radiant smile and filled our lives with song and laughter.”
The teenager’s aunt Talia Pope added: “After sharing that she was raped, Gaia’s deteriorating physical and mental health changed her life.
“At times, our girl seemed to be disappearing, lost in fear and uncertainty. But she fought bravely to return to us, and her inner light always shone through the clouds.
“Gaia also kept her dreams. She hoped to have a large family and host Christmas at the villa in Dorset she dreamed of, surrounded by family and friends.
Image: Clara Pope said she was “so proud” of her sister
Gaia’s older sister Clara Pope-Sutherland continued: “The challenges she faces as a young woman living with epilepsy and surviving sexual abuse have inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare and social care.
“Gaia had strong values and wanted to contribute to a positive change in her community. That makes us so proud.
The video ended with Gaia’s cousin Mariena Pope-Weidemann, who said: “Above all, we remember Gaia’s great passion, compassion and creativity.
“Thank you for every day we have to share with her. The world is a darker place without Gaia and we will miss her every minute for the rest of our lives.”
Add Comment