Dog walker died from 'multiple' bites to neck, inquest told

Natasha Johnston was attacked by dogs at a beauty spot.

Caterham dog attack victim Natasha Johnston died from bites to her neck, inquest opening hears — The full inquest is set to begin on June 29 this year. Stephen Barnes via iStock

PA Media

31st Jan 2023

A young woman who was mauled by dogs at a Surrey beauty spot died of “multiple penetrating” bites to her neck, an inquest has heard.

Professional dog walker Natasha Johnston, 28, suffered shock and haemorrhage, including a wound to her left jugular vein, when she was attacked on January 12 in Gravelly Hill, Surrey Coroner’s Court was told.

At the opening of an inquest into her death, coroner Simon Wickens expressed his “sincere condolences” to Ms Johnston’s family “and all those touched by her life”.

The coroner said on Tuesday: “A post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on January 18.

“The medical cause of death (was) given as 1a) shock and haemorrhage including perforation of the left jugular vein, and in 1b) the pathologist places multiple penetrating dog bites to her neck.

“The reason for the inquest required is the nature of the traumatic injuries.”

Mr Wickens formally recognised the family of Ms Johnston, who was from Surrey, as interested persons in the proceedings.

“I offer Natasha’s family and indeed all those touched by her life my sincere condolences,” he said.

He fixed a date of June 29 for the full inquest to begin, but added that it could be subject to change.

Last week, Surrey Police said they had closed their investigation into her death, with no prosecutions being brought against any individuals.

Officers seized eight dogs at the scene and the force said none of them were banned breeds.