Tributes book opened for much-loved Hayley (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tributes book opened for much-loved Hayley

Family and friends pay tribute to Hayley at a special service at Holy Trinity Church (30601)HAYLEY TRAGEDY: A MOVING tribute to murder victim Hayley Richards has become even more poignant in the wake of news that her grieving family face an agonising wait to hold her funeral.

Wiltshire and Swindon coroner David Masters opened an inquest into Miss Richards' death at Devizes coroners' court on Wednesday but said he was unable to release the body in case a second post mortem examination was required.

Friends and family of the waitress, who was three months pregnant, gathered to remember her at a service at Holy Trinity Church on Friday. Flanked by her sons, David and Paul, grieving mother, Christine, was the first to light a candle in memory of her daughter.

Parish deacon the Rev Liz Gifford said: "It was an opportunity for people who wanted to do so to come and pray, either alone or with somebody from our congregation.

"I think it helps people come to terms with something like this and at Holy Trinity we will do everything we can to support them."

About 40 people were at the ceremony to remember the 23-year-old and to support her family who began a book of condolence in her memory.

At the inquest Mr Masters said he was 'anxious' about the delay but had no choice after the court was told of continuing legal proceedings relating to the arrest of Miss Richards' former boyfriend in Spain by Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Capstick.

Mr Masters said: "I shall not at this stage, sadly, sign a cremation certificate for the reasons you have indicated but I shall keep that under close review. I am anxious about not delaying the return of the body for the family."

At the 10-minute hearing a statement was read from Miss Richards' brother, Paul, who had the task of identifying her body.

A statement from Pc Robert McClellan of Trowbridge police described how he went to the waitress's Carders Corner home on June 11 after worried colleagues called in the police when she failed to turn up for work.

Pc McClellan described how he went into the flat just before 4pm on the Saturday afternoon and found the body of Miss Richards in a bedroom with the curtains drawn.

He said: "I saw a gash from ear to ear at the top of her neck and below her chin with a gaping wound."

The inquest was adjourned until a date to be set.

The book of condolence will remain at Holy Trinity Church and anyone is free to record their thoughts. In June and July the church is open between 10am and 4.30pm on the first and third Thursday in the month and between 10.30am and 12pm on the other Thursdays and between 10am and 4pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

A minute's silence was observed by members of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce in memory of Hayley Richards prior to the start of a business lunch at Red or White, the restaurant where she worked.