More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A date has been set for the fresh pre-inquest review into the deaths of four murder victims, including a young chef from Gravesend, killed by Stephen Port.
From 2014-2015, Port the so-called "Grindr Killer", murdered four men and was jailed for life in November 2016.
Among them was Daniel Whitworth, 21, a former Dartford Grammar School pupil whose body was found in a churchyard in Essex in September 2014 after being drugged and raped.
A suicide note found in Mr Whitworth's possession was found to have been forged by Port, who used gay social media app Grindr to track down his victims.
Mr Whitworth's family previously raised more than £12,000 to pay for top solicitors to oversee the proceedings and ensure they get answers.
In November, Judge Sarah Munro decided during a pre-inquest review that a jury should sit during the full inquest, to be held in January next year.
A second virtual pre-inquest review is being held on Friday, July 10 at the Old Bailey, London, when evidence from witnesses and experts is expected to be heard.
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.”
