Model Gracie Spinks, 23, died from stab wound to the neck after being ‘murdered by stalker’, inquest told
A MODEL and horse rider found dead on a farm in a suspected murder-suicide died from a stab wound to the neck, an inquest heard today.
Gracie Spinks, 23, was discovered in a field in the picturesque village of Duckmanton, Derbys, on June 18.
Heartbroken pals say she had been hounded by former colleague Michael Sellers in the period leading up to her death.
The 35-year-old was found dead in a nearby field later the same morning.
An inquest into Gracie's death heard today how she was last seen alive by her mum Alison Heaton on the morning of her death.
Two people who discovered her lying on the ground in a pool of blood initially believed she had been kicked by her beloved horse Paddy.
A post-mortem later found Gracie died from a stab wound to the neck that cut her spine and a major artery.
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- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
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The inquest, which was adjourned due to the police investigation, was told there was no evidence of sexual assault.
At an opening hearing yesterday, Matthew Kewley, Derbyshire’s assistant coroner, said: “I want to take this opportunity to reassure both Gracie’s family and the public that there will be a full and fearless investigation into Gracie’s death.
“And the final hearing will son consider all the matters that contributed to and caused her death.”
Pals previously told how Sellers had become "obsessed" with Gracie after they went on a date and repeatedly showed up at her stables.
They also set up a page to raise funds for the care of her horse Paddy following the tragedy.
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Gracie's mum paid tribute to her "beautiful daughter", who has been "taken away from me, her dad and brother and sister and everyone who loved and cared for her".
She also shared a photograph of Gracie with the tag "stop violence against women".
Derbyshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of previous contact with Gracie earlier this year.
