Smiley Culture inquest jury considers verdict

Singer died of a stab wound during a police raid on his home in 2011

The jury in the inquest into the death of reggae star Smiley Culture during a police raid will today continue to consider its verdict.

The 48-year-old singer, real name David Emmanuel, died from a single stab wound to the heart while police executed a search warrant at his Surrey home on March 15 2011.

The inquest has heard that he stabbed himself after being arrested at the property in Warlingham.

Police inquiries which led to the raid concerned allegations of conspiring to import class A drugs into the UK, Surrey Coroner Richard Travers said.

Smiley Culture found fame with a string of 1980s hits including Cockney Translation, and appeared on Top Of The Pops.

The inquest, which began on June 12, is taking place at Woking Borough Council's Civic Offices.

The jury of five men and six women was sent out on Friday and will continue to consider their verdict from 10am.

PA