Inquests & Public Inquiries
Sophie recently acted as sole counsel in a three-week jury inquest. The inquest concerned the death of a 24-year old man on the same day he was released from police custody. Sophie acted for a healthcare professional. At the conclusion of the inquest the Coroner ruled that it would not be safe for the jury to find that the acts or omissions of police officers or healthcare professionals had probably caused or contributed to the death and withdrew the issue from the jury. The healthcare professional was not criticised during the inquest and no Regulation 28 report was issued. The case received national press coverage:
Sophie also gained wide-ranging inquest experience whilst undertaking pupillage with Mike Atkins and Helen Pagett, assisting on a variety of cases including:
- Aiding preparations for an inquest into the death of a university student.
- Aiding preparations for an inquest into the death of an employee on a shop floor.
- Assisting with preparation ahead of a PIR in response to a request by the coroner for written submissions on Article 2.
Selected Cases
View full profile »News
- Sophie Ashford appointed to the Sports Resolutions’ Pro Bono Service
- Crown Office Chambers welcomes three new tenants
Qualifications
- BA in History – First Class, Jesus College, University of Cambridge
- GDL (Distinction), LPC (Distinction) and Bar Transfer Test, BPP University
Memberships
Member of the Sport Resolution’s Pro Bono Service
