10/08/2026
Shay Middleton-Pierce: Inquest Finds Police Failures Possibly Contributed to Self-Inflicted Death
We represented the father of Shay Middleton-Pierce, aged 15, at a nine-day inquest examining the circumstances leading up to his death in March 2025. The inquest heard evidence regarding the police response after Shay was reported missing and concerns were raised for his welfare.
Following the hearing of evidence from witnesses and experts, the jury concluded that there were several failures by Surrey Police and British Transport Police in their handling of the incident, which may have contributed to Shay's death. These included issues relating to risk assessment, communication, deployment decisions, and the handling of information about Shay's whereabouts.
The Coroner also issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report concerning processes within British Transport Police, highlighting concerns around safeguards designed to prevent similar errors from occurring in future.
Shay's father was represented by Keiu Kikas, Felix Parsons and Qaizaar Bharmal, instructing John Hobson of Doughty Street Chambers.
Read the full article here: https://gtstewart.co.uk/shay-middleton-pierce-inquest-finds-police-failures-possibly-contributed-to-self-inflicted-death/