Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2023
Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2023-0056, written 13 Feb 2023. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.
| Date of report | 13 Feb 2023 |
|---|---|
| Reference | 2023-0056 |
| Deceased | Michael Roberts |
| Coroner | Mary Hassell |
| Coroner area | Inner North London |
| Category | Suicide (from 2015) |
| Source | judiciary.uk record · original PDF |
| Responses published | none published |
Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.
Regulation 28: Prevention of Future Deaths report
Michael ROBERTS (died 20.08.22)
THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO:
1.
2.
Chief Executive
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
PO Box 3961
Royal Wootton Bassett
SN4 4HF
Commissioner
Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)
New Scotland Yard
Victoria Embankment
London SW1A 2JF
1
CORONER
I am: Coroner ME Hassell
Senior Coroner
Inner North London
St Pancras Coroner’s Court
Camley Street
London N1C 4PP
2
CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS
I make this report under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009,
paragraph 7, Schedule 5, and
The Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013,
regulations 28 and 29.
3
INVESTIGATION and INQUEST
On 30 August 2022, one of my assistant coroners, Jonathan Stevens,
commenced an investigation into the death of Michael Roberts aged 50
years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 7
February 2023. I made a determination at inquest of suicide.
4
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH
1
Mr Roberts shot himself on the evening of Saturday, 20 August 2022,
using a gun he took from his place of work. He did not own any guns.
He was alone and made no attempt to shoot any other person. However,
he had suggested to his partner that he could kill her.
5
CORONER’S CONCERNS
During the course of the inquest, the evidence revealed matters giving
rise to concern. In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur
unless action is taken. In the circumstances, it is my statutory duty to
report to you.
The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows.
Before he was employed as a proof assistant testing new guns, Mr
Roberts’ prospective employer asked for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring
Service) certificate. This was provided and recorded no convictions,
cautions, reprimands or warnings.
However, Mr Roberts had in the past been convicted of a violent offence
for which he had received a custodial sentence. This was the reason for
his dismissal from his former occupation as a police officer in the MPS
(Metropolitan Police Service).
If Mr Roberts’ DBS certificate had correctly recorded his conviction, he
would not have been employed at Proof House where he had access to
firearms.
It is unclear to me whether the inaccuracy of the DBS certificate was
caused by an error made by the DBS or by the MPS.
6
ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN
In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I
believe that you have the power to take such action.
7
YOUR RESPONSE
You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date
of this report, namely by 10 April 2023. I, the coroner, may extend the
period.
Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be
taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise, you must explain
why no action is proposed.
2
8
COPIES and PUBLICATION
I have sent a copy of my report to the following.
wife of Michael Roberts
, fiancée of Michael Roberts
•
•
•
•
• HHJ Thomas Teague QC, the Chief Coroner of England & Wales
, proof master, Proof House, Birmingham
, proof master, Proof House, London
I am also under a duty to send a copy of your response to the Chief
Coroner and all interested persons who in my opinion should receive it.
I may also send a copy of your response to any other person who I
believe may find it useful or of interest.
The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted
or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who
he believes may find it useful or of interest. You may make
representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response, about
the release or the publication of your response.
9
DATE SIGNED BY SENIOR CORONER
13.02.23 ME Hassell
3
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