Full Breakdown
Family Calls Police Closure a “Huge Miscarriage of Justice” After Apprentice’s Suicide
5/5/2026, 12:27:37 PM
Death of Apprentice Lauren Hewson
Eighteen-year-old apprentice Lauren Hewson, at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, died by suicide in August 2025. The inquest disclosed she reported sexual assault and rape by a staff member who later left. Cumbria Police arrested a man, released him on bail, and closed the case, saying evidence fell short of the legal threshold. Coroner Robert Cohen recorded an intentional suicide.
Background, Safeguarding and Timeline
Hewson began her apprenticeship in 2023. BAE Systems says it has safeguarding procedures for apprentices, reviewed against regulatory guidance and best practice. In June 2024 her family observed isolation, weight loss and withdrawal. She reported the abuse in July 2024, prompting a police report. On 28 July 2025, her 18th birthday, she attempted suicide, was briefly hospitalised and discharged. She was found dead in early August 2025. The August 2025 inquest closed the police investigation; the family called the outcome a “huge miscarriage of justice” in September 2025.
Official and Family Responses
Cumbria Police said the case was dropped because evidence fell short of legal threshold. BAE Systems reiterated its policy of taking all misconduct allegations seriously, investigating thoroughly and supporting affected individuals. Coroner’s report noted Lauren’s serious allegations and said she might not have died but for those incidents. Hewson family argues BAE failed to safeguard Lauren and that police decision leaves the alleged perpetrator free, calling it a miscarriage of justice.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police maintain evidence did not meet the legal threshold for prosecution; the family contends lack of safeguarding contributed to Lauren’s death and the perpetrator remains free. No details of the evidential assessment have been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we are feeling at the minute is a huge miscarriage of justice, not only legally in terms of the perpetrator walking free, but by the failings of her employer to protect a vulnerable young girl - she was still a child.” — Bethany Hewson, sister
- “Lauren believed her life had been ruined, she just could not see a way out, but she was a strong, determined girl.” — Helen Bamber, mother
- “We take any allegation of misconduct seriously and investigate thoroughly, while supporting those affected and taking appropriate action as necessary,” — BAE Systems spokesperson
- “Lauren went on to make very serious allegations, and it is also right to record the family's position that had it not been for those incidents, Lauren would not have died,” — Assistant Coroner Robert Cohen
Implications and Next Steps
The case questions workplace safeguarding for apprentices and evidential standards in sexual-assault investigations. The family intends legal action. BAE Systems pledged to review its safeguarding procedures, and advocacy groups call for a review of police investigative thresholds.
