More on KentOnline
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A jury will sit during an inquest of four murder victims, including a man from Gravesend, amid concerns the actions of police may have led to some of their deaths.
Her Honour Judge Sarah Munro QC made the decision today at the pre-inquest review for those killed by Stephen Port.
The families of those murdered by the 'Grindr Killer" are pleased with the decision.
From 2014-2015 Stephen Port murdered four men including Gravesend man Daniel Whitworth, 21, Gabriel Kovari, 22, Anthony Walgate, 23 and Jack Taylor, 25.
The killer, who used gay social media app Grindr to find his victims, was jailed for life in November 2016.
Mr Whitworth was a 21-year-old chef and former Dartford Grammar School pupil.
His body was found in a churchyard in Essex in September 2014.
The full inquest will begin in January 2021 at the Old Bailey and will be listed for eight weeks.
Lawyer Andrew Petherbridge, who is representing the victims' families, said: "The families were very pleased to hear the coroner say that she will sit with a jury.
"It is what they have always wanted.
"And while any delay to the inquest starting is frustrating for the families, they at least will have the legal team in place that they want and can now look forward with some certainty.”
Mr Whitworth's family previously raised more than £12,000 to pay for top solicitors to oversee the proceedings and ensure they get answers.
