Hannah Thomas

Inquests & Public Inquiries

Hannah is frequently instructed to represent Interested Persons at inquest hearings. She has acted for family members and also other IPs with particular experience representing members of the medical profession. Hannah is instructed in serious cases involving death in custody, Article 2 and jury inquests, and is currently instructed in a case involving the death of an infant.

Hannah has significant experience working on inquiries and related matters. She was instructed as second junior counsel representing a Core Participant in the Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in two separate phases of the Inquiry and worked as disclosure junior on the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry. Her role included reviewing material to determine if it was ‘operationally sensitive’ to make submissions to the Inquiry.

Hannah was also instructed as part of a small team of counsel on the Levitt KC Boohoo Group PLC Independent Review. The Review received international attention due to its significance.

Hannah is ranked as a ‘Rising Star’ junior in this field in the Legal 500.

Inquest into the death of RS [2022]

Currently instructed to represent a GP in a death in custody case. The inquest covered the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the prison estate and wider implications of seriously ill prisoners receiving adequate medical care in custody.

Inquest into the death of KS [2021]

Article 2 inquest involving the death of a mentally vulnerable man recently discharged from mental health services. Represented a GP who was one of the last medical professionals to have contact with KS before he disappeared and was found drowned.

Inquest into the death of DJM [2021]

Represented a Care Home alleged to have contributed to the death of a resident. A significant number of witnesses were called from the Care Home. No finding of neglect made.