1 Crown Office Row welcomes Matthew Howarth - Jul 2026
Inquests
Matthew is a highly experienced inquest advocate, representing government departments, prosecuting authorities, public bodies, and NGOs in complex Article 2 inquests.
His inquest practice focuses on:
- Deaths in custody and following release from custody
- Fatalities during or following medical and psychiatric treatment
- Deaths in prison linked to COVID-19
- Cases involving systemic public service failings
Matthew advises on evidence relevance, Public Interest Immunity, privilege, and disclosure in inquest proceedings, and regularly represents Greater Manchester Police and the National Crime Agency as independent review counsel in disclosure and PII matters.
Selected inquests:
- Re NK: Represented a prison in a ten-day Article 2 inquest following the death of NK in custody.
- Re CP: Acted for the Probation Service in an Article 2 inquest concerning CP’s death in the community following release.
- COVID-19 Related Inquests: Extensive experience in Article 2 inquests arising from deaths in prison following COVID-19 diagnoses, with specialist knowledge of prison policies and procedures during the pandemic period.
