Inquest opened into backpacker's death

An inquest into the death in Thailand of backpacker Katherine Horton was formally opened and adjourned today.

The 21-year-old psychology student was raped and murdered on the island of Koh Samui during a backpacking break with a university friend.

She disappeared after wandering onto a beach to take a phone call from her mother, Elizabeth, on New Year’s Day.

A brief hearing took place at Cardiff Coroners Court this morning and the inquest was opened and adjourned by coroner Mary Hassell.

A post mortem examination held in Thailand last week found that Miss Horton was beaten by her attackers and was probably unconscious when she was dumped in the sea and drowned.

Two Thai fishermen have been charged with Miss Horton’s rape and murder.