Greater Manchester Police have been advised by a High Court judge to 'think twice' about pursuing legal costs against Lorna McMahon, the aunt of late journalist Teresa McMahon from Granada Reports.

The police watchdog is also urged to 'very carefully' consider the implications of seeking costs from Lorna McMahon, who has been recognized by Queen Camilla for her advocacy against domestic violence.

Lorna McMahon stated to the Manchester Evening News that if both organizations pursue her for over £6,000, she will repay them at a rate of £5 per month.

She had previously attempted to take legal action against the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after her request for a reinvestigation of her complaints against GMP was denied.

Ms. McMahon was ordered to pay a total of £6,178, comprising £3,400 to the IOPC and £2,778 to GMP. On February 7, she requested for the costs order to be set aside or paused until all matters concerning the investigation into Teresa's death were concluded.

Judge Matthew Butt KC, presiding over the case in London, denied her request, stating he lacked the authority to issue such an order. He acknowledged the 'dedication, eloquence and determination' of Ms. McMahon in her efforts to uncover the truth behind her niece's death.

During the proceedings, Judge Butt referenced a letter from Queen Camilla, expressing admiration for Lorna's efforts. In a letter dated November 26, 2024, the Queen thanked Ms. McMahon for her correspondence about the documentary "Behind Closed Doors."

Teresa McMahon, 43, was found dead in her Little Hulton flat on August 3, 2021. The coroner concluded that she had taken her own life.

The inquest revealed that weeks before her death, Ms. McMahon was incorrectly informed by GMP that she was not entitled to information under Clare's Law regarding her former partner.

GMP later attempted to contact Ms. McMahon to inform her that she might be entitled to this information, but there was no response from her.

In September 2021, Lorna McMahon lodged a complaint with GMP about the initial investigation, including accusations of inadequate inquiries into her niece’s former partner’s potential involvement in her death.

She subsequently requested a review from the IOPC, which found that her complaint had not been satisfactorily addressed and warranted further investigation.

The subsequent reinvestigation identified some organizational failures and errors by individual officers, though the overall service was deemed acceptable.

The IOPC later rejected Lorna McMahon's request to review this reinvestigation.

In his ruling, Judge Butt urged both IOPC and GMP to reconsider seeking to enforce the costs order against Ms. McMahon, taking into account the tragic circumstances surrounding her niece's death, the recent passing of Teresa’s mother, Barbara, and Ms. McMahon’s health issues and financial situation.

An IOPC spokesman stated: “We will consider an individual's circumstances and the cost implications to the public purse when deciding on the enforcement of a legal costs order.”

Lorna remarked to the Manchester Evening News: "If they don't drop the costs, I will send them both (IOPC and GMP) a cheque for £5 each month, the minimum payment I can manage."

Greater Manchester Police have yet to comment on the matter.