12 January 2021

The inquest into the death of Leon Briggs before Senior Corner for Bedfordshire and Luton, Emma Whitting, will continue from Wednesday 13 January, more than seven years after his death.

The inquest was initially opened on the 4 January, but adjourned last week to allow for further COVID-19 security measures to be put in place following the recent government national restrictions announcement. The inquest will last approximately six weeks.

Leon Briggs was 39 years old when he died on 4 November 2013. He had been detained under the Mental Health Act (section 136), and died following restraint by Bedfordshire police officers at the scene and at Luton Police Station.

Leon, who was from Luton, was a father to two children. His family describe him as “a loving brother and father, caring and genuine”.

Tomorrow’s session marks the first day of witness statements, which will start with Leon’s mother, Margaret.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information, to note your interest, or to request an interview please contact:

INQUEST’s communications team on Lucy McKay and Sarah Uncles on 020 7263 1111 or [email protected]; [email protected]

Or Yellow Jersey PR who are working with the legal team:
Sarah Jehan, [email protected], T: 0808 239 2247 | 0808 239 5975
Alex Crean, [email protected], T: 0808 239 3996 | 0808 239 5975

A photo of Leon, provided by his family for media use, is available here. 

Leon’s family are represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Jocelyn Cockburn and Gimhani Eriyagolla of Hodge Jones & Allen solicitors, Dexter Dias QC of Garden Court Chambers and Adam Straw of Doughty Street Chambers. INQUEST has been working alongside Leon’s family since his death.

The other interested persons represented at the inquest are the chief Constable of Bedfordshire, six police officers (five officers and one detention officer who is now a PC), East of England Ambulance Service and the IOPC.

More detailed background information is available here.