Joshua Christopher Edward PERRY · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 17 March 2025 an investigation into the death of Joshua Christopher Edward PERRY aged 21 was commenced. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 02 April 2026. The conclusion of the inquest was that:

Cause of death
1a. Multiple Injuries

Conclusion
Narrative - Joshua died as a consequence of falling from the nineteenth floor of a multi storey car park from which he suffered multiple injuries, which proved fatal. On the evidence it is not clear whether he intended to take his own life.

On 14th March 2025, Joshua Perry fell from the 19th floor of the multi storey car park situated on ████████ horizontal railings at the car park facilitated Josh’s fall from height. Police officers attended and located Joshua on the floor between two vehicles in a car park on the junction of ████████. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation was performed, however Joshua had suffered multiple injuries as a result of the fall and his death was verified by paramedics at 18:31 hours. There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Joshua’s death. Toxicological analysis revealed that Joshua had consumed ketamine prior to his death at a concentration consistent with moderate excessive use, the effects of which can include drowsiness/sedation, intense hallucinations and unsteadiness. In the context of Joshua having consumed ketamine, which more likely than not influenced Joshua’s cognitive functioning, it cannot be established on a balance of probabilities that he intended to take his own life.

During the course of the inquest it came to my attention that there is a conflict between The Building Regulations 2010, Guidance: Approved Document K and BSI Standards, barriers in and about buildings, Code of Practice, which requires its resolution and may prevent future deaths.
Document K at K2 paragraph 3.2 outlines that guarding must be at a minimum height and that any wall, parapet, balustrade or similar obstruction can be used as guarding. The British Standards, Code of Practice indicates that barriers installed on parapet walls should be measured from the top of the parapet and not at walk level. It is not clear from the guidance and standards whether the starting point of the barrier height is to be taken from when a wall, parapet, balustrade or similar obstruction is used as guarding.
Document K at K2 paragraph 3.3 outlines that the use of horizontal railings should be avoided to prevent children under the age of 5 years readily being able to climb the guarding, there is no mention of this also being applicable to adults and children over the age of 5 years.