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Paul Harris
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‘Psychics’ to probe drag artist’s death
TV company set to use mediums in new investigation
A FRESH investigation into the mystery death of a Barnsbury drag artist is being undertaken – using “psychic detectives”.
Paul Harris, who performed under the stage name Sapphire at clubs around King’s Cross, died last January from head injuries.
At the inquest, the Tribune reported how his family believed his lifestyle may have made him the target of a random homophobic street attack.
Now an investigation by IPM, an east London television production company, hopes to shed new light on the case using “psychic detectives”.
Researcher Kate Myers said: “We are going to take our mediums to varius locations to see if they can pick anything up.
“We want to see if they can find anything that the police have missed.”
Mr Harris specialised in Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Shirley Bassey impersonations, and had performed alongside celebrity drag act Lily Savage.
The 43-year-old, who also worked as a silver service waiter and lived in Cowdenbeath Path, Barnsbury, was taken to University College London Hospital in January after suffering a fractured jaw.
Sometime after his admission, he left the hospital but was found collapsed in the street outside.
An inquest at St Pancras Coroner’s Court in October resulted in an open verdict.
Assistant deputy coroner Dr Andrew Walker said: “There is insignificant evidence to rule out he had been assaulted or pushed.”
Although Mr Harris told paramedics he had fallen, doctors initially believed his injuries may have been the result of an assault. But police failed to find any witnesses.
Toxicology reports later showed Mr Harris, who had an alcohol problem, was not drunk at the time of his admission.
His sister Jane Harris said: “We feel he may have been knocked over and had his bag stolen. Because he was gay we believe it may have been a contributing factor.
“My brother wore rings, which he never took off, but we can’t find them.
“He always carried a bag, but there was nothing.”
The inquest heard that although a nurse suspected Mr Harris had suffered a head injury, his examining doctor put his symptoms down to possibly being drunk.
Assistant deputy coroner Mr Walker said Mr Harris looked unsteady and his breath appeared to have smelled of alcohol, which could have led to a misdiagnosis.
IPM has previously produced programmes probing illegal bare-knuckle boxing and the Russian trade in rare tiger skins.
The police investigation into the death of Mr Harris remains open.
Anyone who knew him can call Kate Myers at IPM on 020 7515 5100.
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