Public inquiry into cult follower's death ruled out

Newswire (England) Monday, November 29, 1999

Alasdair MacDonald, procurator fiscal for Dornoch, north east Scotland, said the decision had been taken in conjunction with the family of Verity Linn. The 49-year-old was found dead by a fisherman north of Cam Loch, near Elphin, in a remote area of Sutherland, in September.

Her body was near a tent and it is believed she had been fasting before her death.

Ms Linn is thought to have been a follower of Australian new-age guru Ellen Greve, known as Jasmuheen, who advocates "breatharianism" or "living on light".

A diary found among her belongings suggested she had been taking part in a spiritual cleansing programme.

She was also a member of the Findhorn Foundation in Morayshire, but members of the educational and spiritual establishment, founded in 1962, denied any involvement with Jasmuheen.

Mr MacDonald said: "The circumstances of Verity Linn's death were fully discussed with the next of kin and they were kept informed. "Obviously their views were taken into consideration and a decision was taken not to hold a public inquiry."