PC Phillips-Schofield suffered severe head and chest injuries following a crash on the closed circuit at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth (then managed by Parkwood Community Leisure on behalf of Portsmouth City Council) which was risk-assessed by the race organisers and accredited as ‘suitable for the event’ by the British Cycling Federation (now known simply as British Cycling).
Richard was an accomplished and highly experienced cyclist. He had represented the police force nationally and internationally at the sport, winning two gold medals for cycling at the World Police & Fire Games in Belfast in 2013.
The family is represented at inquest by Phil Barnes, a partner and national medical negligence head at Shoosmiths who commented:
‘The family hope to get clarity and answers to the many questions they have about what caused Richard’s death.’
With so many interested parties and a great deal of evidence to be considered, the inquest is not expected to conclude until at least 15 February 2018.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Allan Bisset
Shoosmiths
Telephone: 03700 866736
Email: [email protected]
Additional Media Coverage
BBC South Today
BBC News
Richard Phillips-Schofield death 'devastating', police officer's family says (13 February 2018)
Cyclist Richard Phillips-Schofield 'vying for position' before crash (5 February 2018)
Birmingham Mail
Gold medal winning cyclist died in velodrome accident after hitting 'unsafe' barriers (13 Fenruary 2018)
Solihull Observer
Death of Solihull born policeman and cyclist, 33, ruled as 'accidental' (13 February 2018)
The News (Portsmouth)
Heartbroken family will take legal action after son’s cycle death in Portsmouth (12 February 2018)
Jury retires to decide verdict on death of off-duty policeman during Portsmouth cycle race (12 February 2018)
Boss of cycling body says sport was devastated by death of prominent rider at Portsmouth’s Mountbatten Centre (8 February 2018)
Mountbatten Centre track where cyclist died ‘did not meet safety guidelines’, inquest is told (8 February 2018)
Fatal cycling race inquest told of ‘chaotic’ scenes after Mountbatten Centre velodrome crash (7 February 2018)
Dad breaks down as he recalls crash that killed his cyclist son (6 February 2018)
Cycling News
Inquest into death of cyclist on Portsmouth track hears he was positioning for sprint (5 February 2018)
Disclaimer
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
