Britain’s Got Talent dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson was arrested over child sex offence allegations in Aldershot before being found dead at her Farnborough home in Hampshire

A heartbreaking sequence of events has been laid out at an inquest involving former Britain’s Got Talent dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson.

The court heard that the 38-year-old performer was arrested over an allegation described as “child sex offending” just three days before she was found dead.

The details of the accusation have not been publicly disclosed, but the inquest has made clear that the investigation placed Donaldson in an extremely serious and distressing situation in the days leading up to her death.

The Allegation That Triggered Police Concern

Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah McConnell told Winchester Crown Court that Donaldson was accused of an offence linked to child sex allegations.

Because of the nature of such accusations, police carried out an enhanced risk assessment.

The court was told this was due to research showing certain alleged offences can increase the likelihood of self-harm or suicide risk.

In Donaldson’s case, the allegation placed her within that higher-risk category.

Custody, Release, and Then Disappearance

Donaldson was arrested on June 4, 2023, and taken into custody at Aldershot police station.

She was later released, but soon after, she went missing.

Three days later, she was found hanged at her home in Farnborough, Hampshire.

Her death is being treated as a suspected suicide, and the circumstances are now being closely examined through the ongoing inquest.

A Well-Known Face From Britain’s Got Talent

Many people remember Donaldson from her time on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014, where she reached the semi-finals as part of the dance troupe Kings and Queens.

The group featured dancers who later became well-known names in the entertainment world, including Strictly Come Dancing professionals Neil and Katya Jones, and Kai Widdrington.

Donaldson herself was known locally as a talented dance teacher and performer who had built a strong reputation in her community.

The Days Before Her Death

The inquest heard that after going missing, Donaldson was located at a Travelodge, where she had overdosed.

She was taken to hospital, and her sister Cara Donaldson was told that sectioning under mental health legislation might be necessary.

Cara later brought her sister back home after Donaldson reassured her she would not take her own life.

But the following morning, Cara returned and found a note placed at the top of the stairs reading:

“Call 999, don’t come in, I’m sorry.”

Donaldson was declared dead later that day.

Fear, Reputation, and Mental Health Struggles

A psychiatric liaison nurse, Serina Juru, told the court that Donaldson had expressed intense fear about what might happen next.

Donaldson reportedly believed she could face prison and said she could not cope with the possibility of her reputation being destroyed.

She told medical staff she didn’t want to live with the stigma, worrying about the impact on herself, her career, and her company.

Police Perspective on the Seriousness of the Case

DC Ben Harris, who spoke with the alleged victim, told the court that the offences were described as “serious in nature.”

He also explained that threats of suicide can sometimes be used as a form of control, although not always with the intent to follow through.

Police maintained they had a duty to arrest and investigate, especially where vulnerable individuals could be at risk.

Tributes From Family and Fellow Dancers

Donaldson’s sister described her in emotional terms, calling her someone with a “heart of gold” who brought joy to others.

Neil Jones also paid tribute publicly after her death, describing her as being “like a big sister” and remembering her as a woman full of life, creativity, and warmth.

Her death has left a deep impact on those who knew her personally and professionally.

What’s Next?

The four-day inquest into Donaldson’s death is still continuing, with further testimony expected from police, mental health professionals, and those close to her.

The court will ultimately examine whether all appropriate safeguarding steps were taken during the investigation, and whether there were missed opportunities to prevent such a tragic outcome.

Summary

Kerri-Anne Donaldson, a former Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, was arrested over an allegation described in court as “child sex offending” just days before she was found dead in a suspected suicide.

The inquest has heard about police risk assessments, her mental health crisis, her fears over prison and reputation, and the devastating final days leading up to her death.

Tributes from her family and fellow dancers have painted a picture of a woman remembered for her talent, warmth, and love of performance.

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