Inquest opens into death of woman shot outside bar

An inquest into the fatal shooting of an "innocent bystander" has been opened and adjourned until a criminal investigation has been completed.

Mother-of-one Shanice Brookes, 30, was found with serious injuries outside One Four One bar on West Street in Sheffield at about 02:45 BST on 25 May and later died in hospital.

Earlier, assistant coroner Rebecca Connell told the victim's family at the city's Medico-Legal Centre that she was "extremely sorry for their loss".

Two people have been charged in connection with the incident and a decision will be taken at a later date on whether a full inquest hearing is necessary.

Connell told three members of Brookes's family who attended the opening that she could not "imagine" how they were feeling.

Brookes, the mother of a 10-year-old boy, worked as a volunteer for the Sheffield community charity Zest and was about to finish a degree at Sheffield College.

South Yorkshire Police have said that she was not believed to be the target of the shooting and was simply an innocent bystander enjoying a night out.

In a statement issued after her death, Brookes's family said: "She could light up every room she walked into with her infectious laugh, beautiful soul and magical aura.

"Shanice made people feel loved, safe and valued simply by being herself.

"She was truly one of a kind and she will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her."

In another statement, Zest said Brookes was "a truly beautiful soul who touched so many lives within our Zest family and wider community".

Jemele Rhone, of Outram Road, Sheffield, is due to go on trial next year charged with murdering Brookes.

Rhone is also charged with possession of a handgun and possession of criminal property, namely £10,000.

His co-accused, Deiryen Dyce, 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, is charged with assisting an offender, possession of ammunition, possession of heroin, cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property, namely £2,000.

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