The family of Michaela Hall, a 49-year-old woman murdered in Mount Hawke, north Cornwall, in 2021, is pursuing legal action, alleging that her death could have been prevented. Her father, Peter Hall, contends that Devon and Cornwall Police did not respond appropriately to an alert raised during her attack by partner Lee Kendall, who was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment.
Michaela Hall had contacted a friend, expressing fears for her life as Kendall assaulted her. While police attended the scene, transcripts indicate they found no signs of a disturbance and departed, believing they lacked the authority to force entry. Peter Hall, who has reviewed official documents relating to his daughter's death, described the revelations of potential preventability as deeply distressing. He stated that the family has endured a "tortuous road to get to the truth" and to "learn about failings from institutions which should have supported her."
Lee Kendall, a former drug addict with a history of violence, had been released from prison just two weeks prior to the fatal attack on Michaela. The family's legal action is directed at both Devon and Cornwall Police and the Probation Service. This follows a coroner's inquest that concluded errors were made by the Probation Service in connection with Michaela's death.
Michaela's son, Shaun, has also launched his own campaign to seek justice for his mother. He expressed pride in his courage to pursue this and hopes that improvements in police protocols will lead to better training and awareness for officers responding to similar situations, enabling them to react and understand more effectively.
In response to the ongoing legal proceedings, Devon and Cornwall Police's Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell stated that it would be inappropriate to comment. He extended the force's thoughts to Michaela Hall's family and friends. Colwell noted that in 2024, the coroner found "no police actions were attributable to Michaela's death" and that she "had been fatally assaulted before officers were called to her home." He added that the force has addressed recommendations from the Independent Office of Police Conduct and has implemented recognised "areas of learning." The Ministry of Justice also declined to comment on active legal proceedings, reiterating its sympathies to the family.