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A six-year-old girl who drowned on a crowded beach was in the water alone after being told to wash after wetting herself.
Details of the death of Dajahnel Young – who was on a trip with friends from her local church – emerged at a pre-inquest review into the tragedy today.
The hearing in Sandwich was told how the youngster - described as "chatty and friendly" - was pulled from the water after entering the sea at Margate Main Sands on July 28 last year.
Coroner Alan Blunsdon heard evidence the trip had been organised “at very short notice” but Dajahnel’s mother agreed for her to go because the trip was organised by friends from their church in Erith, south east London.
The visit to the beach was organised by Cynthia and Fitzroy Robinson, whose solicitor, Isabella Crowdy, said it was arranged on the day using the church minibus rather than as an official church outing.
Representing Dajahnel’s mother - who was not present at the hearing - Leslie Thomas QC said: “This young child was being looked after by people who were very much trusted.
“Mum agreed because of the very close relationship with Mr and Mrs Robinson, but also because they were part of the church.”
The court heard Dajahnel, known by her middle name, Amazing, had been sent to the water unsupervised.
Mr Thomas told the hearing it was because the girl had wet herself.
But he also questioned whether she should have been allowed to go to the edge of the sea alone.
He added: “I can fully understand the distressing nature of this case.
“There will be hard questions to ask regarding the supervision of this child, who was vulnerable by way of her age.”
The review hearing set out how a full inquest will take place later this year and will see witnesses called to give evidence. It is expected to last three days.
The review heard how the RNLI raised concerns about noise levels on the beach on the day - due to parties, music and barbecues taking place - which could have hampered lifeguards being able to communicate fully over radios.
The charity’s lawyer asked for the noise to be considered with a view towards potential recommendations from the coroner to prevent future incidents.
Mr Blundson said he would take possible issues with communication into consideration ahead of the inquest.
Questions were raised about the potential evidence from three older teenagers on the trip, who the coroner requested to be interviewed to give statements ahead of a full inquest later this year.
Mr Thomas said: “This is about what other potential witnesses say. It may corroborate what’s already been said by the other interested parties.”
The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing with a date due to be set for later in the year.
