AN INQUEST into the death of a Harvey Nichols' beauty consultant, has been postponed so evidence can be gathered to see if the legal system failed her.
Clare Bernal, 22, was gunned down in the central London department store by her ex-boyfriend Michael Pech, who then turned the gun on himself, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.
Pech, 30, was due to be sentenced for harassing Miss Bernal, a week after he killed her on September 14.
Pech from the Czech Republic, took cocaine then shot Miss Bernal four times in the face and head.
Miss Bernal moved from Dulwich Village to the home of her father Martin in High Beeches, Orpington, for her own safety, just before she died.
The coroner Dr Paul Knapman said: "People have been called before magistrates' courts for 800 years in this country.
"They used to be dealt with, punished and sent to prison."
He added: "But on this occasion he was remanded again and sent for probation reports."
Dr Knapman recorded a verdict of suicide on Pech on November 16.
He adjourned Miss Bernal's inquest until January 19.
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