The family of a Hull man shot dead in the street by officers from Humberside Police say they hope an inquest beginning tomorrow will finally give them answers after almost five years of waiting for the matter to be investigated by the Coroner.
An inquest into the death of Lewis Skelton, 31, will begin at Hull Coroner’s Court on Tuesday and is expected to last approximately six weeks.
Evidence will be heard from eye-witnesses, police officers and civilian staff involved on what proved to be a fatal day in November 2016
Mr Skelton died after ‘two live rounds’ were shot at him in Francis Street, Hull City Centre, following calls from members of the public of a man carrying an axe as he walked through the streets.
A Home Office post mortem confirmed Mr Skelton died as a result of gunshot wounds.
As part of the inquest, key police officers involved directly in the shooting will give evidence from behind a screen, but in view of Mr Skelton’s family and legal representatives. The Coroner and the jury will be allowed to see the officers’ faces, but their identities will be protected from the public.
Leanne Stephenson, Senior Solicitor at Hudgell Solicitors, who is representing Mr Skelton’s family alongside Tim Moloney QC, of Doughty Street Chambers, said: “This inquest has been a long-time coming for Lewis’ family and they enter this process with a focus firmly on finally securing answers as to how and why Lewis lost his life on that day.
“There has been much speculation and media coverage, but they have retained a dignified silence throughout the most difficult of times as they have been awaiting this investigation, where evidence is heard.
“They welcome the Coroner’s decision that a jury is to be given the opportunity to view CCTV footage of Lewis’ movements prior to being shot on the day, to hear independent witness accounts, and of course those of police officers and staff.
“Their ultimate question is whether anything could have been done differently on that day to ensure it ended without the loss of life. No family wants to lose a loved one in the way Lewis was on that day.”
