14 July 2021

Before HM Assistant Coroner Fiona King
West Sussex Coroners Court
19 July 2021 - scheduled for five days

Hamish Howitt was 20 years old when he died on 1 July 2016, after a night out with friends in Frome, Somerset. Hamish had intervened in a fight, suffered a head injury and came into contact with Avon and Somerset police during the course of the night out.

The final hearing of the inquest into his death begins on Monday 19 July at West Sussex Coroners Court. 

Hamish’s family describe him as a kind and loyal young man who was full of energy, humour and potential for the future. He was born and brought up in Chichester West Sussex.

Hamish’s death was sudden and unexpected. His family have work tirelessly since to find out what happened on the night he died. They hope the inquest will examine the circumstances prior to Hamish’s death in detail.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information, interview requests and to note your interest, please contact Lucy McKay on 020 7263 1111 or [email protected]

The family are representing themselves. The family are supported by INQUEST caseworker, Jodie Anderson.

The coroner ruled that Article 2 was not engaged in Hamish’s case, therefore the family are not eligible for legal aid to cover the costs of representation at the inquest. Legal aid is not automatically available for families going through the inquest process.

 

Other Interested Persons are Avon and Somerset Police and the individual involved in the fight on the night in question.

 

The inquest will take place at West Sussex Coroners Court in the Richmond Room (19, 20 and 21 July) and the Norfolk Room (22 and 23 July). Edes House, 27 West Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RN.

 

There was previously a hearing on 25 and 26 February 2021 to establish the medical cause of death.