Finally, after 4 years of waiting, Tuesday 7th April 2015, the long and eagerly awaited, inquest in to the circumstances surrounding the death of Birmingham Trainee Security Guard Kingsley Burrell, will finally heard and decided upon in public and not behind close doors or will it?
It is shameful that the family and friends of Kingsley has had to wait and wait and wait for so long in their quest for answers and justice. However, another issue which has previously been highlighted is now brewing. The Coroner's Court in Birmingham is quite small indeed this week, i was informed that only 15 family members friends and members of the public will be able to gain access to the hearing; a public hearing yet with restricted access.
This is a matter that involves various agencies all with legal representatives that will potentially be confined to a small space for some six weeks. With restricted public access to the extent should there be no room in the actual court, people would have to wait outside on the pavement owing to the daily functioning of the Coroner's Office. This clearly, highlights the unsuitability of the venue and consolidates the argument that it should be moved to a larger venue. Indeed the Coroner's Office was quoted in The Voice Newspaper as saying " that they take into consideration the wishes of the Burrell family" who seek a larger unrestricted public venue, however, the Corner sated that they have ruled "No".
For a case that has attracted so much publicity, which is a death in custody matter, which is linked to the NHS, Mental Health Service, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, IPCC, CPS, hence, of great public interest it would appear that yet again the matter of costs are being considered ahead the need for transparency, accountability in the death of Kingsley Burrell, with no regard for the Family's and Communities request for answers in public, which yet again will not be the case if an alternative larger venue is not found.
Clearly, it is a case of do the Burrell family have to protest again as they did following his death, for the release of his body and for an answer from the CPS.
We have written to the Coroner, the Police and the Council requesting their assitance in seeking an alternative venue, as one has to be concerned for public safety.
Ultimately, it is the sole decision of the Coroner, who can ignore all representations, should they see fit.
Let's hope that common sense prevails.
Please support the Families request for a move to a larger venue in the City of which there are many email the Coroner's Office: [email protected] Tel: 0121-303 3228.
Desmond Jaddoo
22nd March 2015
It is shameful that the family and friends of Kingsley has had to wait and wait and wait for so long in their quest for answers and justice. However, another issue which has previously been highlighted is now brewing. The Coroner's Court in Birmingham is quite small indeed this week, i was informed that only 15 family members friends and members of the public will be able to gain access to the hearing; a public hearing yet with restricted access.
This is a matter that involves various agencies all with legal representatives that will potentially be confined to a small space for some six weeks. With restricted public access to the extent should there be no room in the actual court, people would have to wait outside on the pavement owing to the daily functioning of the Coroner's Office. This clearly, highlights the unsuitability of the venue and consolidates the argument that it should be moved to a larger venue. Indeed the Coroner's Office was quoted in The Voice Newspaper as saying " that they take into consideration the wishes of the Burrell family" who seek a larger unrestricted public venue, however, the Corner sated that they have ruled "No".
For a case that has attracted so much publicity, which is a death in custody matter, which is linked to the NHS, Mental Health Service, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, IPCC, CPS, hence, of great public interest it would appear that yet again the matter of costs are being considered ahead the need for transparency, accountability in the death of Kingsley Burrell, with no regard for the Family's and Communities request for answers in public, which yet again will not be the case if an alternative larger venue is not found.
Clearly, it is a case of do the Burrell family have to protest again as they did following his death, for the release of his body and for an answer from the CPS.
We have written to the Coroner, the Police and the Council requesting their assitance in seeking an alternative venue, as one has to be concerned for public safety.
Ultimately, it is the sole decision of the Coroner, who can ignore all representations, should they see fit.
Let's hope that common sense prevails.
Please support the Families request for a move to a larger venue in the City of which there are many email the Coroner's Office: [email protected] Tel: 0121-303 3228.
Desmond Jaddoo
22nd March 2015