Anna Morris represented the family of Alan Guite, who was found hanging from a window in his cell at HMP Manchester only 12 hours after being moved from a "safer cell" in which the windows were sealed. The Jury concluded that his suicide was contributed to by neglect.
Mr. Guite had been remanded into custody "for his own protection" by Trafford Magistrates following an allegation of harassment during which he inflicted cuts to his wrists and arms. Despite entering into HMP Manchester and being placed on intermittent observations and then a safer cell, the nursing staff decided that based on a short interview with him that he was a "low risk of suicide" and he was moved from a safer cell and not subject to any special observations regime. The Jury found that there was evidence available to the nursing staff upon which it could be reasonably concluded that Alan was at a raised risk of self-harm and that the closure of the ACCT form was premature and inappropriate.
Mr. Guite's family commented at the conclusion of the inquest that the verdict was the right one but that it didn't make it any easier for them to accept. The Coroner, Nigel Meadows indicated that he would be making lengthy Rule 43 recommendations to the prison and a number of other bodies.
Anna was instructed by Farley's Solicitors.
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Anna Morris is representing the family of Eilidh Cairns who died on the 5 February 2009 in a collision with an HGV near Notting Hill Gate in their application for Judicial Review of the inquest that took place by the Deputy Coroner for Inner West London.
Anna Morris is representing the family of Eilidh Cairns who died on the 5 February 2009 in a collision with an HGV near Notting Hill Gate in their application for Judicial Review of the inquest that took place by the Deputy Coroner for Inner West London.
The case has drawn a large amount of media attention due to its potential impact on the conduct of inquests into the deaths of cyclists in London, which the Coroner accepted is a "huge problem". The High Court heard submissions about whether the Coroner should have called a jury and made recommendations using her powers under Rule 43 to try and prevent future deaths occurring in similar circumstances. The High Court has reserved its Judgment in what Mr. Justice Silber recognised as an "important case".
Anna Morris was instructed by Levenes.
For press coverage click here.
Anna Morris is a member of Garden Court's Inquests Team.
