An inquest into the death of Michelle Sparman opens on Monday, 27th January 2025 for a 3-4 day hearing at Inner West London Coroner’s Court, 33 Tachbrook St., London, SW1V 2JR.
Michelle, a Caribbean woman, tragically died by suicide in August 2021 after attempting to take her own life at Queen Mary’s hospital, where she had been admitted as a voluntary inpatient.
Michelle’s family has concerns that she was subjected to coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB) by her ex-partner and the father of her two children in the years leading to her death. The family will invite the Coroner to investigate whether NHS agencies failed to act on reports of CCB by Michelle, and to consider how the behaviour of her ex-partner impacted on Michelle’s mental health.
The inquest will determine whether Michelle died by suicide and, if so, how it happened. It will also determine if the relevant agencies failed to protect her and are in breach of their duty under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Michelle’s family have pro bono legal representation from Hogan Lovells International LLP and Jennifer MacLeod and Jagoda Klimowicz of Brick Court Chambers. They are also supported by Southall Black Sisters and Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse in their quest for justice.