The inquest begins today into the death of BBC journalist Kate Peyton who was shot dead in Somalia three years ago.
Peyton was 39 when whe she was shot dead in the country’s capital, Magadishu, in February, 2005.
She had recently arrived in the city and was working with reporter Peter Greste when she was shot in the back by an unidentified gunman near a hotel used by journalists. She was taken to hospital, but died later from loss of blood. Greste was not injured in the incident.
Peyton, had worked for 10 years in Africa, and joined the BBC as a producer and reporter in 1993. She also worked as a producer and trainer for the South African Broadcasting Corporation in Johannesburg. She began her career as a journalist in local radio.
At the time of her death then BBC director of news Helen Boaden said: “Kate was one of our most experienced and respected foreign affairs producers who had worked all over Africa, and all over the world. She will be greatly missed, both professionally and personally.
Her friend and colleague Fergal Keane said: “She had a personality that imprinted itself on people and a gentleness, kindness and humility that everyone who met her remembered and would remember for the rest of their lives.”
The inquest is taking place at Ipswich Crown Court today and is scheduled to last five days. Press Gazette will have breaking news throughout.
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