KRW EXPLAIN REFUSAL OF LEGAL AID FUNDING TO GUILDFORD INQUEST
KRW LAW LLP represent the family of Ann Hamilton, who was killed in The Guildford Pub Bombings 1974 whilst serving in the British Army.
Today there was a further hearing before the Senior Coroner for Surrey in Woking.
KRW London-based Litigation Consultant Christopher Stanley attended the hearing. Whilst all the other parties to the inquest were represented by senior or junior Counsel, KRW was unable to instruct Counsel to appear because legal aid has been refused.
Christopher Stanley explained to the Senior Coroner and the Court that it would be difficult to move forward in representing the Hamilton family with no legal aid in place. He further explained that there was no appeal against the decision to refuse public funding in this matter.
He pointed to the issue of parity and equality of arms and why this family in England should be treated differently to a family in Northern Ireland. The regulations governing the provision of legal aid for bereaved families at complex multi-death inquests is ‘draconian’ and has created a hostile-environment for families who want to assist Coroner’s through independent legal representation
KRW was unable to commit to further representation for the family of Ann Hamilton at this juncture. A further hearing on the scope of the inquest has been set for February 2020.