Inquest Opens Into Self-Inflicted Death Of Vulnerable Young Woman Shortly After Discharge From Hospital
Before HM Assistant Coroner Mr J Puzey Worcestershire Coroner’s Court, Martins Way, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 8UN. Scheduled 28 June at 1pm to Wednesday 3 July 2024 Beth Taylor Jarvis was a much-loved daughter, sister and aunt. She was born on 4 July 1997 in Hammersmith, London and died on 25 March 2023 aged 25 years old….
Grace Smith: Hospital Failures Linked to 16-Year-Old’s Tragic Death, Inquest Reveals
Grace Smith, aged 16, passed away on August 5, 2022, at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough following a self-inflicted ligature at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton. An inquest jury determined that Grace’s death resulted from suicide, influenced by a failure to adequately address her risks and triggers despite available information. The…
Coroner Finds That The Death Of A Young Man With Autism And Learning Disabilities Was Contributed To By Neglect
The inquest into the death of Peter Dickens (31) concluded on the 28th March 2024 with HM Assistant Coroner, Dr Elizabeth Didcock returning a scathing narrative conclusion. Peter had a past medical history of autism, severe learning disability with challenging behaviour, choking disorder (Dysphagia) and epilepsy. He was non-verbal but for a few words and…
Avoidable Methadone Intoxication Death Was Contributed To By Neglect
A mental health patient was prescribed methadone as part of a care plan at Farmfield Hospital in Horley, Surrey, an Inquest heard, and this led to the death of the 37-year-old man. The Inquest concluded that a series of failings amounted to neglect, which was a contributory factor in the patient’s death. Ricky Keenan lived…
Home Office Launches A Call For Information and Evidence To Support Changes To The Laws Around Crossbow Usage
Ison Harrison have been campaigning alongside Laura Sugden the partner of Shane Gilmer who was shot dead by a crossbow by his neighbour in January 2018, to tighten the laws on crossbow usage, since Shane’s Inquest in April 2021. Today the Home Office has launched a call for information and evidence about the introduction of…
Inquest Opens Into The Death Of Army Veteran George Jacobus Du Preez
George Jacobus Du Preez, a 37 year old Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan was found dead in his home address on 17 November 2019. Originally from Namibia, George enlisted in the South African Army after completing his education, later joining the Parachute Regiment in the British Army upon moving to the UK in 2007….
Medical Error at GP Surgery Results in Administering Fatal AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine to Healthy 28-Year-Old
A tragic incident unfolded at an Inquest on 10th November where a 28-year-old man, Alex Reid, had lost his life due to a rare blood clot caused by the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. This heartbreaking event arose from an error that occurred almost two decades ago, misclassifying him as morbidly obese. The mistake, dating back to…
Inquest Into The Death Of Krispos Layas Due To Commence
The inquest touching on the death of Mr Krispos Layas commences on the 28 November 2023 at Hull Coroners Court before HM Senior Coroner Professor Paul Marks. Mr Layas, born in Limassol, Cyprus, was a retired merchant Navy captain. His children remember their father spending months at sea and warmly recount loving his return when…
Inquest Hears That “Broken System” Contributed To Man’s Suicide
A 28-year-old father-of-two, Niall Tyrrell, was found dead in his room in a psychiatric ward in Manchester in May 2022 as a result of a fundamental failing in his mental health care, according to the findings of an inquest into his death, which concluded last week. Ison Harrison’s nationally-renowned inquest solicitor, Ruth Bundey, represented the…
New Forcer Protocol Set To Be Piloted To Improve Mental Health For Veterans
In November 2022 I had the privilege of representing the family of Alan Forcer at his Inquest alongside Counsel Lilian Lewis from Garden Court North. Alan, a military veteran with Complex PTSD, had hanged himself on 21 May 2020. During the course of the inquest, the Coroner heard evidence from witnesses from Cleveland Police, Combat…
New CAPA Contract Helps Ison Harrison Extend Inquest Services Offering
Press Release – October 2023 A leading Yorkshire law firm that specialises in representing bereaved families at inquests has secured a contract to enable them to expand the types of inquests that they can deal with (including deaths involving police contact and within the prison service) in addition to taking on civil claims against public…
Ison Harrison Joins Forces With INQUEST For Big Fundraising Push
Members of the Ison Harrison are joining forces with the INQUEST charity for a big fundraising push in September, to help fight for justice for bereaved families. On Sunday 24th September, members of the Ison Harrison team will be joining INQUEST to undertake the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge with the aim of completing it in…
Prevention of Future Deaths Report Issued Following Corrine Haslam Inquest
Mrs Corinne Haslam was a mental health patient on Taylor Ward at Tameside Hospital operated by Pennine Care NHS Trust however, the acute medical care at the same hospital fell under the auspices of Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. Mrs Haslam, who was known to have schizophrenia, was initially admitted as a…
Watch: Ben Nelson-Roux Family Featured On BBC Newsnight
Yesterday, BBC Newsnight aired a segment featuring the family of Ben Nelson-Roux, a 16-year-old who passed away in unregulated adult homeless accommodation. The programme touched on Ben’s death and the wider issues faced by 16/17 year olds. The episode is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer from approximately 14:40 onwards: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001kby4/newsnight-french-mass-protests-will-macron-survive. In response to…
Inquest Concludes That Sectioned Patient Died Of Natural Causes, But Coroner Expresses Concern As To Risk Of Future Deaths
The 4 day long inquest touching the death of Mrs Corrine Haslam concluded today with the Coroner finding that Mrs Haslam died of natural causes. The significant causative factor was underlying heart disease which was worsened by her COPD and development of a pulmonary embolism. The Coroner did not find that there were any failures…
Ben Nelson-Roux: Inquest Concludes Into Death Of Victim Of Child Criminal Exploitation In An Adult Homeless Hostel
Press Release – 13th March 2023 Ben Nelson-Roux was 16 years old when his mother, Kate, found him dead in an adult homeless hostel owned and operated by Harrogate Borough Council on 8 April 2020. The coroner at the inquest into his death has today concluded that the medical cause of Ben’s death could not…
Ison Harrison Supports INQUEST Fundraising Appeal
Ison Harrison have a long-standing relationship with INQUEST with Ruth Bundey being on their board of Trustees and Gemma Vine a member of the INQUEST Lawyers Steering Committee. Gareth Naylor, alongside Ruth and Gemma regularly work alongside INQUEST in representing bereaved families at inquests involving the State. INQUEST have launched a fundraising appeal to raise…
Parents of Peter Doody Launch Campaign About Communications Around SUDEP Following Conclusion Of Inquest
The inquest into the death of Peter Doody concluded on Friday 3 March 2023 following two days of evidence heard by Assistant Coroner Ian Pears. Mr Pears concluded that Peter Doody died of natural causes as a result of SUDEP. Mr Pears confirmed that he would be writing to Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust…
Inquest Opens To Investigate The Unexpected Death Of Patient Sectioned At Tameside Hospital
The inquest touching the death of Mrs Corinne Haslam will commence on the 13 March 2023 at Manchester South Coroners Court before HM Senior Coroner Alison Mutch and is listed for 5 days. Mrs Haslam, who was known to have schizophrenia, was initially admitted as a voluntary patient to Taylor Ward, Tameside General Hospital on…
Inquest Opens Into The Death Of 21-Year-Old Peter Doody Who Died Suddenly From ‘Silent Killer’
Press Release – 24th February 2023 Peter Doody was just 17 years old when he was diagnosed with epilepsy when under the care of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. When he turned 18 he moved to Leeds to study at the Leeds College of Music. Whilst there he was under the care of the…
Understanding End of Life Care Choices
Our Director and Head of Inquest Law, Gareth Naylor, has received instructions to act on behalf of two separate families in relation to inquests where there are issues regarding end-of-life care. These new instructions have some striking resemblances to a recent case reported on by the BBC: Pandemic care home death – Family to sue…
Coroner Issues Prevention of Future Death Report
We reported last week on the outcome of the inquest touching the very sad death of Matthew Dale, a 43 year old male with multifaceted and complex needs. He had significant learning disabilities, autism, visual impairment and bi-polar affective disorder. Matthew lacked capacity to make decisions for himself and was the subject of DOL (deprivation…
Inquest Finds Missed Opportunities To Increase Supervision Levels For Disabled Man Who Choked To Death On His Own Incontinence Pad
Matthew was a 43 year old male with multifaceted and complex needs. He had significant learning disabilities, autism, visual impairment and bi-polar affective disorder. Matthew lacked capacity to make decisions for himself and was the subject of DOL (deprivation of liberty) safeguards. He was a resident at Vancouver House, operated by The Priory. From an…
Inquest Concludes Military Veteran Mark Rodhouse Died From Suicide
Press Release – Thursday 26th January The inquest into the death of Mark Rodhouse concluded yesterday (Wednesday 25 January 2023) following two days of evidence heard by Margaret Taylor, Assistant Coroner for Cumbria. Ms Taylor concluded that Mark, who was a military veteran, had hanged himself on 17 April 2022 and died from suicide. She…
Inquest Into The Death Of Law Student David Nash Concludes That His Death Was Avoidable
Press Release – 20th January 2023 The inquest into the death of David John Nash concluded today (20.01.23) following three days of evidence heard by Ms Abigail Combes, Assistant Coroner for South Yorkshire. Ms Combes concluded that David Nash died at The General Infirmary at Leeds due to a brain-stem infarction (tissue death in the…
Disabled Man Choked to Death on Incontinence Pad
The inquest touching the death of Matthew Dale began today at Liverpool Coroners Court before HM Coroner Kate Ainge. The inquest will consider issues regarding funding, placement, risk assessments and the events which led to Matthew choking on a continence pad and the emergency response. Matthew and his family are represented by our Head of…
Inquest Opens Into Death of David Nash
Press Release – January 2023 David Nash, a 26-year old law student studying at Leeds University, died on 4th November 2020 following the withdrawal of life support with the agreement of his family. David had suffered from significant childhood issues affecting his ear, nose and throat (ENT). He had suffered from chronic suppurative otitis media…
Inquest Finds Patient With COPD Died Due To Unwitnessed Disconnection Of Oxygen Mask
The inquest touching the death of Mrs Pamela Inglis was heard before HM Coroner Mrs Louise Slater on the 09/01/2023. Pamela Inglis was admitted to Doncaster Royal Infirmary on the 05/04/2022 with shortness of breath. She was diagnosed with COPD and admitted to the critical care unit for Non-Invasive Ventilation. Pamela made good progress and…
Inquest Opens Into Death Of Delia Haley
The inquest touching the death of Delia Haley began this morning at Doncaster Coroners Court before Area Coroner Mrs S L Slater. The inquest is listed for 7 days before a Jury. Delia Haley, aged 41, was a resident at Aspen House pursuant to Section 3 of The Mental Health Act. Aspen House, operated by…
Inquest Concludes Into Death of Kosovo Veteran, Alan Forcer
Press Release The inquest into the death of Alan Forcer concluded today (Friday 18 November) following three days of evidence heard by Clare Bailey, Senior Coroner for Teesside. Claire Bailey concluded that Alan, who was a military veteran with PTSD, had hanged himself on 21 May 2020. During the course of the inquest, the Coroner…
Deseree Fitzpatrick Inquest: Coroner Finds Inappropriate Medication Regime Caused Patient’s Death
The 5 day inquest touching the death Miss Deseree Fitzpatrick concluded on Friday last with HM Coroner Andrew Bridgeman delivering a narrative conclusion. Deseree was admitted as a voluntary patient to the Royal Cheadle Hospital operated by the Priory on the 19 January 2022 due to risks of self-harm and for alcohol detoxification. Deseree was…
Inquest Into Death Of Veteran Ben Riches Concludes With Suicide Conclusion
Press Release The inquest into the death of Ben Riches concluded today (Thursday 10 November) following two days of evidence heard by Dr Adeley, Senior Coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen. Dr Adeley concluded that Ben Riches died at his home address on 11 April 2019 due to the impulsive use of a ligature…
Ben Riches: Inquest Opens Into The Death Of Iraq Veteran
Press Release – 4th November 2022 Ben Riches, a 30 year old Army Veteran, who served both in Iraq 2008 and then in Afghanistan in 2010, was found hanging at his home address on 11 April 2019 only 20 days after being pulled from the sea at Fleetwood Beach following an attempt on his life….
Deseree Fitzpatrick – Inquest Begins Monday 7th November
The inquest touching the death of Deseree Fitzpatrick begins Monday 7 November 2022 at the Manchester South Coroners Court in Stockport before HM Coroner Andrew Bridgeman and is listed for 5 days. Deseree was informally admitted to the Royal Cheadle Hospital, operated by The Priory on the 19 January 2022 for treatment of her mental…
Dysfunctional System At Fault For Mental Health-Related Death
A coroner has concluded that the death of 23-year-old Richard Flight while he was in the care of a specialist mental health unit was contributed to by “a dysfunctional information chain and system for identifying suspected overdose cases”. Having been in the care of The Redwoods Centre in Shrewsbury – run by the Midlands Partnership…
Parents Appeal For Funding Help For Oskar Carrick Inquest
The parents of Oskar Carrick are starting a Crowdfunding appeal to raise the necessary funds to ensure the right questions are raised at the Inquest into their son’s tragic death in June 2021. Oskar was just 21 when he was found dead in his room at halls of residence in Sheffield, having committed suicide. Oskar…
Alan Forcer: Inquest Opens Into The Death Of Kosovo Veteran
Alan Forcer, a 40 year old Army Veteran who served in Ireland and Kosovo was found hanging in Woodland on 21 May 2020, after being reported missing by his ex-wife Claire Lilly. Alan joined the Army when he was 16 years of age and went on to serve with 7 Company, the Coldstream Guards in…
Why We Are Still Campaigning For Restrictions On Crossbows
The issue of crossbows has once again reared its head following the recent BBC programme Sherwood which aired in June this year. Although it was predominately a work of fiction, it was loosely based on the murder of Keith Frogson who was attacked with a crossbow in 2004. The question of whether crossbows should have…
Harry Sykes Inquest Conclusion: Supervision At Lake Was “Inadequate”
The two week inquest into the death of Harry Sykes concluded on 26th April 2022 with Senior Coroner Martin Fleming finding that the planning of the tour was “slipshod” and that the supervision at the lake was inadequate. He also found that the lack of head counts was a significant flaw in the Greenwood’s planning…
Harry Sykes Inquest
The Inquest touching the terribly sad death of Harry James Sykes will commence on Monday 11 April 2022 and is listed for 2 weeks before Mr M D Fleming, Senior Coroner for West Yorkshire (West). Harry, a promising and committed rugby league player, died in Carcassonne, France on the 5 September 2018. Harry was a…
New Legal Aid Hope For Bereaved Families at Inquests
From 12 January 2022 bereaved families at certain inquests will finally be able to apply for legal aid without the need for means testing. This first and very important step in ending an inequality in arms in inquest representation for bereaved families has been the result of 40 years of campaigning by the charity INQUEST,…
Inquest: Sam Copestick Deceased
Ison Harrison lawyer Ruth Bundey – a member of the INQUEST lawyers group – acted for the family at the inquest into the self-inflicted death of mental health inpatient Sam Copestick at Rochdale Coroner’s Court. It was found that multiple care failings had contributed to Sam’s death in June 2019, at the age of 24,…
Ison Harrison Lawyer Represents Family In ‘Misadventure’ Inquest Verdict
Ison Harrison/Harrison Bundey Inquest law specialist Ruth Bundey last week represented the mother of an 18-year-old who died while in custody, at an Inquest into the death of Charlie Todd at HMP Durham on 2nd September 2019. The Jury concluded that Charlie‘s death was one of misadventure. Charlie was found dead from self-inflicted injuries in…
An Open Letter To The Home Secretary Regarding A Change To Crossbow Laws
To the Home Secretary, This is an open letter on behalf of Laura Sugden and Ison Harrison solicitors in reply to the Government’s response dated 20 May 2021 to our petition to put in place stricter laws governing the purchase/acquisition/possession of crossbows. We are disappointed with the Government’s response last week to our crossbow petition….
The Truth About The Dangers Of Crossbows: Your Questions Answered
In this article, we explore the misconceptions around crossbows and highlight the very real dangers they pose. This follows the recent inquest into the death of Shane Gilmer who was “unlawfully killed” by a crossbow. Together with Shane’s partner, Laura Sugden, we are supporting a campaign to call for stricter laws governing the purchase/acquisition/possession of…
Prevention of Future Deaths Report Released Following Shane Gilmer Inquest
Our specialist Inquest solicitor, Gemma Vine, has today received a copy of the Prevention of Future Deaths report from the coroner at the Shane Gilmer inquest. The report, which a coroner can send if he believes that during the course of the inquest or investigation that there is a matter of concern that if not…
UK Campaign To Change The Law Governing Crossbows
Following the recent inquest into the death of Shane Gilmer, who was “unlawfully killed” by a crossbow, our solicitors, together with Shane’s partner, Laura Sugden, are raising awareness of the dangers of crossbows and today we are launching a campaign to encourage new crossbow legislation which ensures that legitimate ownership and use of crossbows is…
Jury Return Conclusion At The Inquest Into The Death Of Shane Adrian Gilmer
Today at the inquest touching the death of Shane Adrian Gilmer, the jury returned a conclusion of ‘unlawful killing’. Professor Paul Marks, HM Senior Coroner said that he would be making a prevention of future deaths report, to raise concerns about the danger of crossbows which are currently unregulated. Campaign. In memory of Shane, his…
Ison Harrison Help Family Look For Answers In Tragic Death of Shane Gilmer
An inquest into the tragic death of a 30-year-old man will open on 12 April 2021 and is listed for five days and Ison Harrison are representing the partner of the victim, who was also injured in the harrowing incident that occurred in 2018. At the time of the incident Shane Gilmer and Laura Sugden,…
Inquest Opens Into Alfie Gildea Death
An inquest is about to start into the death of four-month-old Alfie Gildea, with his mother Caitlin anxious to see that it sparks several procedural changes relating to the wider circumstances surrounding his tragic death in 2018. Alfie was found by his mother with head injuries in September of 2018 and died two days later….