John Cooper KC and Sandesh Singh secure non-causative disposal in ligature suicide case
John Cooper KC and Sandesh Singh have successfully argued that the tragic death of Francesca Whyatt at the Priory Hospital Roehampton in 2013 was not caused by Priory Healthcare’s breach of Section 3 HSWA 1974.
HHJ Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court sentenced Priory Healthcare on the basis that culpability was medium and that there was a low likelihood of death or very serious harm (harm category 3), with no uplift for causation or numbers exposed to risk.
The fine imposed was £140,000.
The Judge’s sentencing remarks can be viewed here: Rex (Health and Safety Executive) -v- Priory Healthcare Limited – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
John and Sandesh were instructed by Fiona Gill and Toby Roche of DAC Beachcroft.
