Inquests and Inquiries
David has enormous experience in the field of inquests and inquiries representing public and private sector clients.
Described as a “longstanding expert” by Chambers UK, David is ranked as a Band 1 leading junior by The Legal 500 for being “instructed on significant, high-profile cases across his career”.
David has earned a strong reputation for representing bereaved families, corporate and commercial organisations and government departments, such as the MoJ and the Probation Service.
He has huge experience in medical inquests, deaths in custody, deaths after police contact and deaths whilst the perpetrator was under the supervision of the probation service.
David’s inquest practice is complemented by his extensive experience in high value personal injury claims. He is able to provide continuity of representation by acting in any post-inquest civil claim for damages, placing him in high demand.
An assured advocate, David is praised by The Legal 500 for “explaining the law and relevant factors in a way that the client can understand and appreciate.”
David’s experience includes:
The North Wales Child Abuse inquiry
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-35502574
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/nov/06/wales-child-abuse-scandal-questions
The Hillsborough inquests
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-62333157
The Damien Bendall quadruple murder inquests
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-67141360
The Jacob Billington murder inquest
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-68406049
The John Gogarty murder inquest
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-48068582
The Michaela Hall inquest
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-68625061
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/24/father-michaela-hall-murder-victim-probation-service
The Kay Melhuish inquest
https://www.thejusticegap.com/jury-finds-neglect-led-to-self-inflicted-death-of-an-autistic-woman/
Inquests and Inquiries
A flavour of practice:
Re X (2025)– fatal road traffic accident , issues around DVLA monitoring and medical certification of fitness to drive
Re Y (2025) – medical treatment and monitoring – suicide – issues around referral to CMHT and follow up by primary care
The inquest into the death of Michaela Hall:
BBC News
The Guardian
The North Wales Child Abuse Inquiry:
BBC News
The Guardian
The Reopened Hillsborough Inquests:
The Independent
BBC News
Damien Bendall quadruple murder inquests:
BBC News
Daily Mail
Jacob Billington murder inquest:
Sky News
BBC News
John Gogarty murder inquest:
BBC News
The Independent
The Kay Melhuish inquest:
Re JB – for the Probation Service – death following stabbing
Re DA – on behalf of MOJ – prison death – fatal fall following protest
Re X – for MOJ – prison death by hanging
Re Y – for Probation Service – murder whilst on licence
Re DH – for Probation Service – death whilst under supervision
Re W – for MOJ – death in custody
Re W – for DOH – death arising from infected blood
Re F – for MOJ – death in custody by hanging
Re PJ – for MOJ – death in custody
Re S – for the family – CO poisoning in tent – PFD report to Scout Association
Re R – for the prison – death in custody – issues around risk assessment
Re A – for the employer – lorry versus pedestrian – lack of care, DOLS
Re H – for the insurer – deceased struck by vehicle – suicide
Re M – for the police- deceased leaving A&E issues, around mental health and interagency duties
Re X – for the prison – spice related death – issues around drug reduction strategy
Re Y – for the prison – hanging – issues around observation and risk assessment
Re M – for the IOPC – advice on investigation and disclosure in the coronial context
