Military Inquests
Military Inquests have hit the headlines in recent years due to the death toll arising from deployment on the combat zones of Iraq and Afghanistan but military deaths can occur in many different jurisdictions. We have used our experience of years of appearing for families who have lost loved ones at Inquests to meet the particular challenges of military Inquests. Unfortunately our campaign for centralization at Oxford was unsuccessful so they take place up and down the country with differing results. We are currently campaigning against Secret Inquests We have a commitment to doing a proportion of this work on a pro bono basis. Geraldine McCool is a member of the Inquest Lawyers Group
Our experience includes inquests into:
- The death of Matty Hull by A10 (friendly fire)
- The crash of a Sea Knight US Helicopter killing 8 soldiers
- The death of Sergeant Steve Roberts (lack of enhanced combat armour).
- The death of Corporal Mark Wright GC in Kajaki.
- Currently preparing for the death of Lance Corporal Michael Pritchard (“friendly fire” sniper death)
- Puma crash in Catterick Training Area 2007
- Puma crash Iraq Nov 2007 involving Specialist Unit -coroner found 3 breaches of Article 2
- A Squirrel Helicopter flying into power lines on Operation Woodlark
- The death of 15 year old Air Cadet Nicholas Rice
We often work with Counsel experienced in military claims. We know how to use Inquests as a fact finding mission for a civil claim. We attend Pre-Inquest meetings and request witnesses and documents. We know about Article 2 arguments and can apply for public funding in appropriate cases.
Inquests are Courts and the Coroner determines the scope of the Inquest. The MOD are likely to have lawyers there. The hearing can be dramatic and upsetting. We can help you through this tough process. We can also liaise with the media after the hearing.
We worked with an all-party Parliamentary Group on Mod Inquests and we oppose “secret inquests”. We have experience of evidence being given behind screens and redacted documents. We can guide you on what is likely to happen and make sure that you have your say in this important part of the aftermath of a tragic loss.
Further information:
For more information please contact:
Geraldine McCool
Tel: 0161 828 8074
geraldine.mccool@mphsolicitors.co.uk
For further information on Inquests in general please visit INQUEST – United Campaigns for Justice website.
