Family of murdered Norfolk backpacker pleaded with her not to travel to Thailand

The family of a Norfolk student who was murdered in Thailand has told an inquest how they pleaded with her not to travel there.

Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Hemsby, was murdered on the island of Koh Tao in September 2014 alongside fellow British tourist David Miller from Jersey.

Today, an inquest into her death heard about her family's concerns ahead of her heading out to Thailand.

A statement from Hannah's mother Susan was read out.

The University of Essex student was frequently in touch with her family while in Thailand. She attended a cookery course in Bangkok and had bought a cookery book, with the intention of cooking them a Thai meal when she returned.

Miss Witheridge had also been to the jungle and stayed with a tribe. Her mother wrote of her relief at hearing she had gone to Koh Tao - believing it would be a safe and relaxing place for some sunbathing before returning to England.

But it is while she was there that Miss Witheridge and David Miller were killed by two Burmese migrant workers. They were convicted of murder in Decermber and have been sentenced to death, although a joint appeal has been launched.

Miss Witheridge's father Tony was the only member of the family at today's inquest.

Susan Witheridge's statement reflected the pain the family felt at hearing news of Hannah's death.

A post mortem from Home Office pathologist Nat Carey revealed Miss Witheridge had died from severe head injuries.

Her mother paid tribute to her "beautiful, fun-loving" daughter.

Coroner Jacqueline Lake concluded Miss Witheridge was unlawfully killed.