Lorna was 'an amazing lady' say family, as inquests begins
The hearing is looking at the ways agencies and emergency services came into contact with her killer
Last updated 14th Oct 2025
Tributes have today been paid to 74 year old Lorna England - who was killed by a man she'd never met in Exeter - at the start of an inquest looking into the actions of different agencies and emergency services.
Cameron Davis was 31 when he was sentenced in July 2024 for killing the pensioner and during his trial 17 health and medical professionals gave evidence - including over concerns by support workers that the defendant 'should have been sectioned' in the days before.
Exeter Crown Court heard the housing support team had desperately tried to raise concerns about him - and make sure the 'dots were joined' in terms of previous allegations - but no one agency took responsibility.
Lorna's husband of 52 years today reflected how she'd been born on Armistice Day and was the eldest of nine children who'd taken on a 'nurturing role' and was 'tragically taken from us in the most unimaginable way'.
Mrs England's husband said his wife was always 'incredibly close to her family' and reflected how 'even now - like all of us - they have struggled to come to terms with the loss of such an amazing lady'.
Her inquest was told about how active she had remained with local faith groups and how he had quickly 'fell in love with my soul mate, best friend and companion' who had a 'radiant smile' and they had 'welcomed two children Richard and Jackie'.
Her son Richard today told the inquest that 'nothing was ever too much trouble' for her and her 'smile could light the room'.
The inquest was told she 'loved gardening' which was her 'peaceful place' and she 'believed in living life fully'.
Daughter Jackie told the inquest Lorna was 'remarkable in so many ways' and 'could turn her hand to anything and never shy’d away from a challenge'.
She told the hearing 'we miss her' and 'life feels incomplete without her', adding: "Her absence is felt deeply everyday."
The up to 10 day inquest will reflect on Davis's past mental health, to put into context what was known by which organisations and when - featuring evidence from 31 people.
Cameron Davis fatally attacked Lorna as she walked home through Ludwell Valley Park, in the Wonford area of Exeter, Devon, on the afternoon of February 18, 2023 - as she walked home after going out to buy flour.
More about the trial can be found here