Fresh inquest ordered for girl scalded to death in 1978
High Court quashes accidental death verdict following manslaughter conviction of former stepmother.
Incident → evidence → outcomeThe High Court has ordered a new inquest into the death of Andrea Bernard, a five-year-old girl who suffered fatal burns in a bath nearly 50 years ago. The original verdict of accidental death, recorded in 1978, has been quashed.
Andrea died in June 1978 from complications arising from burns sustained over half her body. The decision to hold a new inquiry follows the recent conviction of Janice Nix, Andrea's former stepmother, for manslaughter. Ms Nix, 68, was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court in June.
Conviction prompts new investigation
The application to quash the original inquest verdict and hold a new one was made by the senior coroner for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Penelope Schofield. Lord Justice Singh, sitting in the High Court, stated that it was in the "interests of justice" for a fresh inquiry to take place to record the true circumstances of Andrea's death.
The original inquest in 1978 heard that Andrea had taken a bath alone and later fainted. However, the case was reopened in 2022 when Andrea's older brother, Desmond Bernard, reported his account of the events to the police. This led to the arrest and trial of Ms Nix.
During Ms Nix's criminal trial, a pathologist presented evidence that the injury pattern was inconsistent with an accident and that the water temperature was capable of causing burns within seconds. Mr Bernard told the court that he heard Ms Nix run the bath and call for Andrea, followed by Andrea screaming that the water was hot, but Ms Nix insisted she get in. He then found his sister in the bath with skin peeling from her legs.
Andrea was taken to hospital but developed signs of infection and died on July 13, 1978. Ms Nix, who has since become an award-winning probation officer and published a memoir, was convicted of manslaughter by a jury and received a 12-year prison sentence.
Next steps for the inquest
The High Court's ruling means the file will now be passed to the coroner to arrange the new inquest. Andrea's surviving family members have been informed and support the application for a fresh inquiry.
Questions this report answers
01Why is a new inquest being held for Andrea Bernard?
A new inquest is being held because Janice Nix, Andrea's former stepmother, was recently convicted of manslaughter for Andrea's death. The High Court decided it was in the interests of justice to re-examine the circumstances, quashing the original 1978 verdict of accidental death.
02What happened to Janice Nix?
Janice Nix was convicted of manslaughter for the death of five-year-old Andrea Bernard. She was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court in June this year. She was Andrea's effective stepmother at the time of the incident in 1978.
03When did Andrea Bernard die and how?
Andrea Bernard, aged five, died in June 1978 from complications arising from severe burns. She sustained these injuries after being scalded in a bath at home. Her death occurred several weeks after the incident.
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