Inquests & Inquiries

The team at 30 Park Place is regularly instructed in some of the most high profile inquests and inquiries including;

The Infected Blood Inquiry – Lloyd Williams QC & Christian Howells are instructed on behalf of over 300 Welsh and Northern Ireland victims of the contaminated blood scandal of the 1970s and 80s, when thousands of people were given blood infected with Hepatitis C and/or AIDS
Lloyd Williams QC and Peter Donnison appeared on behalf of the families in the “cannibal killer” inquest where there was an article 2 ECHR inquiry into the actions of the police;
We appeared on behalf the families of two young teenagers who were found hanging in Pembrokeshire which alleged potential failings of social services and the health board in relation to mental health treatment.
Ruth Henke QC appeared on behalf of Ealing Abbey in the independent inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse;
Christian Howells is instructed on behalf of HMP Berwyn in the first death in custody at the new ‘super prison’ in North Wales.The deceased died as a result of a ‘spice’ overdose and the inquiry will look at the availability of that substance in prison.

Members have significant experience in complex article 2 ECHR compliant inquests including death in police custody, systemic failures on the part of local authorities, CAMHS and the probation service. The personal injury and clinical negligence team appear at inquests providing consistent representation throughout any subsequent fatal accident litigation. We also represent clients in inquests with HSE involvement alleging gross negligent manslaughter.

Members of the team act on behalf of families, the police, the NHS and the MOJ.

We have appeared in cases challenging Coroners’ rulings by way of judicial review having recently successfully challenged a refusal to hold an article 2 ECHR inquest and have successfully challenged the Coroner’s refusal to reopen an inquest following a conviction for murder of the deceased assailant.

Chambers provide inquest training to local solicitors to increase local representation for bereaved Welsh families.

Chambers accept some pro bono cases in addition to legal aid and private matters.

The only tier 1 Chambers in Wales for Inquests & Inquiries in Legal 500, 2022.

30 Park Place Chambers continues to be at the forefront of high-profile inquests and inquiries in Wales, with multiple members being instructed in incredibly sensitive matters of public interest. Lloyd Williams QC leads Christian Howells in both the inquest into the death of late footballer Emiliano Sala and the Infected Blood Inquiry, representing victims from Wales and Northern Ireland in the latter. Nia Gowman and Melissa Jones both represent parties in Operation Jasmine - a series of inquests into the deaths of residents in a nursing home in the Caerphilly area. - Legal 500, 2022

'30 Park Place Chambers is home to Lloyd Williams QC and Christian Howells, who appear in a wide range of inquests as well as high-profile national inquiries. The pair represent hundreds of victims from Wales and Northern Ireland in the Infected Blood Inquiry, and also act for Cardiff City Football Club in inquest into the death of Emiliano Sala, a new signing for the club who died in an air crash off Alderney in January 2019.' - Legal 500, 2021

30 Park Place Chambers is home to Lloyd Williams QC and Christian Howells, who appear in a wide range of inquests as well as high-profile national inquiries - the pair represent Haemophilia Wales and over 200 affected individuals in the tainted blood inquiry - Legal 500, 2020

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