Frances Swaine, head of the human rights department at law firm Leigh Day & Co, will be attending the inquest of Kyle Flack that starts today at Chelmsford County Hall.
Kyle Flack
Kyle Flack was a young man with severe and profound learning disabilities. He was blind, deaf, born with cerebral palsy brain damage and a quadriplegic. Whilst he had no language he was able to communicate by making noises and also had an infectious laugh. Kyle was extremely sensitive to touch which was the main way of communicating with him. He was able to show if he was in pain by fidgeting and making a different type of sound. Much of his upper body movement was involuntary but strong, but he was wheelchair bound - unable to move his legs. Kyle was adopted as a baby by Gillian Flack, an experienced foster carer and loving mother.
Despite the many challenges Kyle faced he was reasonably healthy and led a happy and fulfilled life. He spent three days a week at a local centre for young adults with disabilities and enjoyed trips out with his family and carer. As he grew older Kyle developed digestive problems which meant that he had to be fitted with a gastronomy tube. As a young child Kyle slept in an ordinary bed, but as he grew older his family bought a height adjustable bed, similar to ones used in hospital.
Investigation and inquest
The police were informed about the circumstances of Kyle’s death and investigated. The Health and Safety Executive have also become involved in the case. The inquest into Kyle’s death is set to last for two weeks. Unusually the Coroner, Caroline Beasley-Murray, has decided that a jury will be needed at the inquest because of its importance.
Frances Swaine said:
“We are glad to see that the coroner is taking this case very seriously. The family are hoping that they will now find out exactly how Kyle could have met his death between the bars of a cot bed when he was supposed to be under constant supervision by the nursing staff. "
For more information please contact
Frances Swaine or
Sarah Westoby on 020 7650 1200.
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