Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2023

Stephen Preston

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2023-0060, written 14 Feb 2023. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report14 Feb 2023
Reference2023-0060
DeceasedStephen Preston
CoronerMartin Fleming
Coroner areaWest Yorkshire Western
CategoryOther related deaths
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

Regulation 28: REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

NOTE:  This form is to be used after an inquest. 

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

1  The Association of Conservative Clubs LTD 

1 Norfolk Row 
London 
SE1 7JP 

1  CORONER 

I am M D FLEMING, HM Senior Coroner for the coroner area of West Yorkshire Western 
Coroner Area 

2  CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 
and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 
INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

3 

On 22/3/22 I opened an inquest into the death of Stephen Geoffrey Preston who, at the 
date of his death was aged 68 years old.  The inquest was resumed and concluded on 
7/2/23 
I found that the cause of death to be: -
1a Haemorrhage from face and neck injuries 
II Hypertensive Heart Disease 

I arrived at a conclusion of Accident. 
4  CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

I heard that Mr Stephen Preston had previously served the Earlsheaton Conservative Club 
in Dewsbury for many years in the capacity as Secretary and Trustee.  On 6/5/22 Stephen 
was in the company of several friends in the Club whilst he was overseeing in a voluntary 
capacity the entertainment that had been previously booked to appear. 

During the afternoon he had been drinking alcohol, although he was not thought to be 
unduly intoxicated when he left the club for a taxi to take him home.  It was as Stephen 
made his way down the stairs, with the assistance of a walking stick, that he took a fall on 
the lower steps, causing his head to make direct contact with the glazing in the double 
doors at the bottom of the stair case, such that his head became lodged between the 
broken glass. 

Although paramedics arrived very quickly, Stephen was found to have passed away. 

In considering the evidence, I noted the contents of an experts’  report who had conducted 
a site visit at the club, in which he expressed the view that the glazing that Stephen made 
contact with was not safety glass and as such was a major contributor to his demise. 

He also confirmed that the double doors were too near the bottom step and do not comply 
with legislation governing the spatial requirements. 
During the inquest representatives of the Club informed me that they were to immediately 
take remedial steps to prevent a further recurrence and that they would write to me in due 
course to confirm that they have been implemented. 

5  CORONER’S CONCERNS 

Regulation 28 – After Inquest 
Document Template Updated 30/07/2021 

 It became clear during the inquest that the double doors and glazing had been installed in 
the early 1990’s and not in accordance with current H&S requirements. 

The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: 

- To review and consider the adequacy of such glazing in doors positioned at the bottom of 
the stairs, throughout other Conservative Clubs in England and Wales to enable compliance 
with existing H&S and Fire regulations. 
- To review and consider the adequacy of the proximity of the doors positioned near to the 
bottom of the stairs throughout other conservative Clubs in England and Wales in order to 
ensure compliance with existing H&S and Fire regulations. 

6  ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe The 
Conservative Association has 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 April 11, 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. 

8  COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested 
Persons 

Earlsheaton Conservative CLUB 

- Daughter 

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 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 by the Chief Coroner. 

9  Dated: 14/02/2023 

M D FLEMING 
HM Senior Coroner for 
West Yorkshire Western Coroner Area 

Regulation 28 – After Inquest 
Document Template Updated 30/07/2021

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