Deaths by homicide following state failings
Leigh Day acts for families whose loved ones were killed by someone known by state agencies to pose a risk to others.
Leigh Day specialises in supporting families whose loved ones were killed by individuals known to pose a risk individuals who were under the supervision of state agencies, such as the prison or probation services, at the time of the incident.
Losing a loved one to homicide is a devastating experience, made even more painful when the tragedy could have been prevented.
The inquest process is a crucial step in uncovering the truth. It examines what was known about the risks posed by these individuals, who was responsible for managing those risks, and whether failures by state agencies contributed to the death of your loved one. These cases often involve attacks on the general public as well as targeted incidents, such as domestic homicides.
Inquests often examine the actions of agencies such as the prison and probation services to assess whether they met their duty to protect individuals and the public, drawing on independent reports that highlight systemic issues like poor communication or inadequate risk management.
These investigations often run alongside criminal proceedings, where the perpetrator may have been convicted of murder or manslaughter, including cases involving diminished responsibility.
Leigh Day has significant expertise in handling these complex and sensitive cases. Benjamin Burrows, partner in the human rights department, specialises in inquests and claims against public authorities, including the prison and probation services. He is supported by Ellie Sutherland, associate in the human rights department, in numerous inquests involving failures to manage ex-offenders known to pose a risk to others.
If you have lost a loved one due to state failings, Leigh Day can guide you through this complex and emotional journey and seek answers, accountability, and justice.
Examples of successful cases
Inquest into the deaths of James Furlong, Dr David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett following a terror attack in Forbury Gardens
Benjamin Burrows and Lily Hedgman represented the families of the victims of the Forbury Gardens terror attack in the judge-led inquest into the deaths, which investigated the role of multiple state agencies, including the prison and probation service who had been supervising the perpetrator at the time of the attack. More information about the case can be found here.
Inquest into the death of Marta Elena Vento
Benjamin Burrows and Ellie Sutherland represented the family of Marta, a Spanish national, who was tragically killed while working as a hotel receptionist in Bournemouth Travelodge on 9 December 2020. Marta’s killer, a guest at the hotel, had recently been released from prison and whilst in custody had presented with severe psychosis. The six-week inquest into Marta’s death took place in early 2025 after which the senior coroner concluded that Marta’s death was a result of systemic failings by the prison healthcare provider and the police. More information about the case can be found here.
Inquest into the death of Ashley Walsh
Benjamin Burrows and Ellie Sutherland represented the family of Ashley who was brutally murdered on 7 January 2022. The two individuals convicted of his murder were both under probation supervision at the time of Ashley’s death, following their release from prison custody after being sentenced as co-defendants to a violent burglary. The inquest into Ashley’s death took place in March 2025 and found failures by the probation service and the police. More information about the case can be found here.
News and blogs
Forbury Gardens terror attack victims’ families welcome pledges for change from Home Secretary
The families of the victims of the Forbury Gardens terror attack have given a cautious welcome to pledges for change and improvements to the Prevent programme and other UK anti-terror measures.
Inquest reveals multiple failings by police and probation service prior to Ashley Walsh’s killing
An inquest into the death of 34-year-old Ashley Walsh heard the police failed to follow up on one of his killers in breach of his licence, just weeks before Ashley’s murder.
Marta Elena Vento’s killing at Bournemouth Travelodge would have been avoided but for systemic failings by police and prison health provider, says coroner
The killing of 27-year-old Spanish national Marta Elena Vento at a Bournemouth Travelodge on 9 December 2020 was avoidable and happened after systemic failings by police and prison health provider, a coroner has concluded.