Offences committed by hospital worker who sexually abused dozens of corpses 'could happen again'
An inquiry into the case of a hospital worker who sexually abused dozens of corpses has concluded that "offences such as those committed by David Fuller could happen again".
It found that "current arrangements in England for the regulation and oversight of the care of people after death are partial, ineffective and, in significant areas, completely lacking".
The first phase of the inquiry found Fuller, 70, was able to offend for 15 years in mortuaries without being suspected or caught due to "serious failings" at the hospitals where he worked.
Phase 2 of the inquiry has examined the broader national picture and considered if procedures and practices in other hospital and non-hospital settings, where deceased people are kept, safeguard their security and dignity.
What were Fuller's crimes?
Fuller was given a whole-life prison term in December 2021 for the murders of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in 1987.
During his time as a maintenance worker, he also abused the corpses of at least 101 women and girls at Kent and Sussex Hospital and the Tunbridge Wells Hospital before his arrest in December 2020.
His victims ranged in age from nine to 100.
Phase 1 of the inquiry found he entered one mortuary 444 times in the space of one year "unnoticed and unchecked" and that deceased people were also left out of fridges and overnight during working hours.
'Inadequate management, governance and processes'
Presenting the findings on Tuesday, Sir Jonathan Michael, chair of the inquiry, said: "This is the first time that the security and dignity of people after death has been reviewed so comprehensively.
"Inadequate management, governance and processes helped create the environment in which David Fuller was able to offend for so long."
He said that these "weaknesses" are not confined to where Fuller operated, adding that he found examples from "across the country".
"I have asked myself whether there could be a recurrence of the appalling crimes committed by David Fuller. - I have concluded that yes, it is entirely possible that such offences could be repeated, particularly in those sectors that lack any form of statutory regulation."
Sir Jonathan called for a statutory regulation to "protect the security and dignity of people after death".
-SKY NEWS
