29 October 2021

Before HM Coroner Louise Hunt
Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court
Sitting at Edgbaston Cricket Ground

Opens 2 November 2021 for 3 – 4 weeks

Trevor Alton Smith, a 52 year old Black man, was fatally shot by police officers shortly after 5am on 15 March 2019. The incident occurred in his bedroom in Lee Bank, Birmingham during an intelligence-led operation by West Midlands Police Firearms Unit.

An inquest into his death will open on Tuesday 2 November, to examine the circumstances and actions of officers involved.

Trevor was a much loved father of two whose family describe him as a very bright, talented, creative individual who was full of charisma. He was a caring, kind, generous spirit whose heart belonged to his family. He experienced depression following the sudden death of his father, two years before his own. He had been under the care of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust services.

Ahead of the hearing, Trevor’s family said: “We turn to the inquest to provide answers as to what happened that morning resulting in Trevor’s death. It must ask serious questions about how the police engage with people with mental ill health. 

The majority of police officers have been granted anonymity at the hearing, and their evidence will be heard from behind a screen. Officer N, who discharged the fatal shot, is scheduled to give evidence on Thursday 4 November, following the operational firearms commander for the incident.  

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]

NOTE: Numbers in court are restricted. Please contact the Coroner’s Office directly to register your attendance or request remote access. Contact: 0121 303 3228. [email protected]

Trevor’s family are represented by Errol Robinson of McGrath and Co Solicitors, and INQUEST Lawyers Group member Rajiv Menon QC. The family are supported by INQUEST Head of Casework, Anita Sharma

Other Interested persons represented are West Midlands police force, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust.