St. Michael’s Hospice Fire: A Case Study in Fire Fatalities (Recording restricted)

March 22, 2022 15:00

A webinar on Lessons learnt in the investigation of a multiple fatality fire, presentation in the Coroners’ Court and prosecution in the Crown Court; Presented by Red Lion member Sailesh Mehta (Head of Fire Law Team), with Edward Ramsay (12KBW) and Chaired by Richard Fowler (National Fire Chiefs Council).

This is a webinar exclusively for fire and rescue service protection officers.

The following aspects of this complex case will be covered:

  • Evidence gathering
  • Evidence presentation
  • Expert evidence
  • Causal connection between fatality and fire
  • Families of the deceased
  • Joint investigations with the Police
  • Coroner’s Court
  • Prosecution in the Crown Court
  • Potential legal arguments

PANELLISTS

Richard Fowler [CHAIR]

Richard was, until recently, an officer with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and has previously led the Protection (Fire Safety) department for a number of years. He now works for the National Fire Chiefs Council Protection Policy and Reform Unit where he is leading on a number of pieces of work.

Richard has led many serious investigations and prosecutions of fire safety cases in the past, as case officer and witness, and has trained and mentored others developing in the role.

Richard is a past International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers and has spoken at many conferences and training events on fire related subjects in the UK and around the world.

Sailesh Mehta

Sailesh Mehta prosecutes and defends in some of the most complex cases in the Crown Courts and Appellate Court. He sits as a Recorder (part-time Crown Court Judge). He has been described in legal directories as a “heavyweight” and “charismatic” advocate who commands the respect of Judges and opponents. He is known for providing strategic and robust advice which is often decisive of a case.

Sailesh is one of a handful of barristers in the UK who specialises in fire law. He leads the Red Lion Chambers Fire Law Team. Sailesh Mehta has prosecuted for, and advised fire services across the country on aspects of law and policy, and prosecutes and defends, particularly in fatality cases for 25 years. He also represents and advises corporations and their directors.

Edward Ramsay

Ed is ranked as a Leading Junior for Inquests and Inquiries in the Legal 500. In the most recent 2022 edition he was described as having  an “Utter and dogged commitment to leaving no stone unturned when considering a case’s strengths and weaknesses, and an innovative thinker in respect of inquests (2022). Since 2021 he has also sat as an Assistant Coroner for Swansea Neath Port Talbot.

This is a webinar exclusively for fire and rescue service protection officers.
  • Panellists:
  • Richard Fowler, National Fire Chiefs Council [CHAIR]
  • Sailesh Mehta, Head of RLC Fire Law Team
  • Edward Ramsay, 12KBW
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