Investigation and inquest
On 19 April 2018, I commenced an investigation into the death of Lily-Mai Hurrell Saint George, aged 10 weeks. Following a lengthy police investigation, the coronial investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8 February 2021. I made a determination at inquest that Lily-Mai had been unlawfully killed.
Circumstances of the death
Lilly-Mai was hurt by an adult with such force that she suffered 19 rib fractures, other broken bones, and a severe head injury from which she died. This took place on the afternoon/evening of Wednesday, 31 January 2018, while she was in the exclusive care of her parents.
Coroner’s concerns
Many healthcare and other professionals expressed the view that Lily-Mai should not be discharged into the unsupervised care of her parents, but Haringey Children’s Services nevertheless facilitated that discharge from hospital on Thursday, 25 January 2018. Lily-Mai suffered her fatal injuries six days later.
A legal gateway meeting took place on Wednesday, 31 January 2018 and the decision made that Lily-Mai should be placed in a residential unit, with both her parents if they would consent. Lily-Mai presented to the emergency services that evening, before such a placement was made.
If you have not done so already, I encourage you to listen to the recording of the inquest so that you have a starting point for consideration of the actions and omissions of Haringey Children’s Services.