Originally scheduled for July 2019 (14 years after his death), the inquest into Riyad’s death was initially delayed so that one of the independent experts could attend and give evidence in person. HM Coroner, Mr Nigel Parsley, was about to deliver a narrative conclusion on cause of death on Thursday 30 January 2020, when he received a call from the metabolic expert, Dr Champion, who was having second thoughts about the safety of the evidence he had given.
When considering the evidence, Dr Champion had not been aware that the blood tests upon which he based his analysis were taken at or immediately after the time of Riyad’s death. It transpired that Dr Champion had believed that these bloods had been taken earlier and he had based his conclusion that death was due to metabolic causes on that supposition.
The Shoosmiths team representing the family at inquest suggested that the cell death that would have occurred at the time of death or post mortem was likely to affect the results, an argument that Dr Champion initially explained would not alter his opinion.
However, after leaving the inquest, Dr Champion reconsidered the evidence and discussed matters with a colleague. He then urgently contacted the Coroner to say he now felt that his initial conclusions were unsafe. He could no longer say that, on the balance of probabilities, it was a metabolic disorder which caused Riyad’s death and now believes the evidence of an endocrinologist should be obtained to investigate the possibility of adrenal insufficiency.
Sue Prior, comments:
‘We now await the report from the endocrinologist, which will be sent to Dr Champion to review. We will then have a discussion with the Coroner as to what steps should be taken next in order to enable the inquest to conclude. It is expected that there will be a need for further evidence to be heard. After so many years of being denied answers, the Trust having failed to advise them of their own investigations and having had to contact the Coroner and request an inquest themselves, Bilkis and Abdul are naturally disappointed with a further postponement at this late stage in proceedings. They are having to be incredibly brave and they agree that the recommended further investigations should be undertaken.’
Media Coverage
Ipswich Star - 29 January 2020 Inquest to begin into death of newborn baby
Ipswich Star - 29 January 2020 Inquest opened into death of newborn baby nearly 15 years ago
Ipswich Star - 30 January 2020 Family must wait for inquest conclusion 15 years after son's death
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This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
