Matthew Stockwell represents former partner of rugby league player Ricky Bibey at Inquest into his death

June 24, 2026

Matthew Stockwell from Exchange Chambers represented Jennie Platt, the former partner of former professional rugby league player Ricky Bibey, at the inquest into his death.

Ms Platt sustained life-changing injuries after being assaulted by Mr Bibey during an incident in Florence, Italy, in July 2022. The inquest heard evidence concerning the circumstances surrounding Mr Bibey’s death, which occurred later that day. Ms Platt participated in the proceedings as an interested person and gave evidence before the Coroner, who recognised her courage in doing so.

Matthew Stockwell represented Ms Platt alongside Joanne Brine of JMW Solicitors LLP, with both acting on a pro bono basis.

Recording an open verdict, Assistant Coroner Lisa Judge found that the medical cause of Mr Bibey’s death was neck compression. The Coroner concluded that, although the evidence showed Mr Bibey had placed a ligature around his own neck, it was not possible to determine on the balance of probabilities whether he intended to end his own life at the time.

Ms Judge found that Mr Bibey had been struggling following his retirement from professional rugby, having lost the structure and purpose the sport had provided. She further concluded that the consumption of drugs and alcohol before his death had materially affected his personality and judgement.

Accepting the account given by Ms Platt, Ms Judge found that she had been subjected to serious violence by Mr Bibey. Ms Judge further noted that Ms Platt had suffered “exceptional trauma” and “life-changing injuries”. In her closing remarks, she also recognised the courage Ms Platt had shown in revisiting the events during the investigation and proceedings.

Ms Judge also found that Mr Bibey’s behaviour in the period leading up to his death had become irrational, confused and markedly different from his usual presentation.

The inquest followed related civil proceedings in the High Court in Manchester, which concluded by way of summary judgment last year.

Following the hearing, Matthew Stockwell paid tribute to Ms Platt’s bravery and resilience throughout the proceedings.

He said: “I’m often humbled by the bravery and resilience of clients and their families. None more so than that of Ms Platt.”

Matthew also praised the work of Joanne Brine and her team at JMW Solicitors LLP, highlighting the care, skill and sensitivity with which Ms Platt had been supported throughout, particularly given the cross-border legal issues involved in the case.