Inquests and Inquiries
David has significant experience in the field of inquests and public inquiries. From very early in his career David was involved in and became familiar with the challenges of a large public inquiry. In 1997 he was associate junior counsel in The Waterhouse Inquiry (The North Wales Child Abuse Inquiry).
Subsequently he was junior counsel to Operation Resolve, the new criminal investigation into the Hillsborough disaster, at the re opened inquests before Sir John Goldring.
As panel counsel, he has enormous experience in advising and appearing at inquests touching deaths in custody. He has been instructed by the National Probation Service, for example in relation to a murder committed by an individual out in licence.
On behalf of other IP’s, he has advised and appeared on behalf of police forces and private security firms in custody deaths or deaths following contact. He has advised the IOPC on sensitive disclosure issues. He also acts on behalf of families, more recently the family of a young scout leader who died of CO poisoning.
David also has significant experience in the field of Judicial Review.
Inquests and Inquiries
The Hillsborough Inquests
Re G – on behalf of the National Probation Service
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-47696827
The Waterhouse Inquiry (The North Wales Child Abuse Inquiry) 1997
David acted as Associate Junior Counsel to the Inquiry.
A flavour of practice:
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
