Five years on tech firms are still prolonging the agony of tragic Molly Russell’s family

A CORONER apologised to the father of girl who took her own life after viewing Instagram posts as her inquest was delayed again.

Molly Russell, 14, died in 2017 after posts about depression, self-harm and suicide were “suggested” to her on Instagram and Pinterest.

The inquiry into her death was due to open yesterday but was halted by rows with Meta — owner of Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp — over what can be reported.

Molly’s dad Ian, of Harrow, Middlesex, who claims addictive social media algorithms “helped to kill her”, was due to open the inquest with a tribute to his daughter.

But lawyers for Meta at the inquest in Barnet, North London argued the press should not be allowed to reproduce content posted by “vulnerable” users.

Coroner Andrew Walker said: “At the heart of every inquest lies a grieving family and that is something I have not forgotten.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the family who have attended today.”

The inquest, has been delayed repeatedly in the last five years by legal arguments and Covid.

In March it was postponed when thousands of pages of new evidence about her internet history were submitted.