Peter Skelton KC

Inquests

Peter has immense experience in inquests and coronial law, having spent over 20 years representing coroners and interested persons, from bereaved families to government departments, including the MOJ and the MOD.

He has undertaken many complex and high-profile inquests involving unlawful killing, national security, state detention, health and safety, and medical or psychiatric treatment. Several of these cases have involved hearings in the High Court, Divisional Court and Court of Appeal.

In 2020, Peter acted for the Metropolitan Police Commissioner in the inquests into the deaths of the victims of serial killer Stephen Port; and for the tram operator in the inquests arising from the Croydon tram derailment in 2016. Between 2016 and 2019 he was counsel to the inquests into the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings and the sudden death of the Russian businessman Alexander Perepilichnyy.

Peter has a particular interest in inquests that engage the state’s responsibilities under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, ‘the right to life’. In 2014 and 2015, he was invited by the Chief Coroner to provide a series of lectures on this subject to the coroners of England and Wales.

Listen to Peter discuss the impact of COVID-19 on inquests in Episode 111 of Law Pod UK here.

“Very knowledgeable, excellent in court and on paper.” “His grasp of detail is extraordinary and he is able to distil large volumes of documents into a series of simple propositions for witnesses. His style of questioning is relaxed yet forensic and precise.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

‘His written work and advocacy are impeccable, and his manner in hearings is just right.’ (Legal 500 2021)

“He has a real mastery of the factual detail and is superb at assimilating material and evidence and getting on top of it all.” “He’s the most relaxed advocate I’ve ever seen; he’s very gentle with witnesses but always gets his point across even when it’s very difficult.” “He’s almost flawless in court: completely fluid and sensible. He doesn’t take bad points and when he has a good one he puts it across efficiently and persuasively.” (Chambers & Partners 2020)

‘He has a relaxed bedside manner that hides a ruthless streak that cuts to the core of any issue.’ (Legal 500 2019)

“He’s very bright, effective and has a very nice, laid-back manner in court.” “He is a really superb public lawyer.”  (Chambers & Partners 2019)

‘He can plot the way through complex issues and his knowledge of coronial law is superb.’ (Legal 500 2018)

“A confident advocate and good communicator.” (Legal 500 2017)

“He comes up with novel ideas, provides a realistic and sensible evaluation of cases and deals with difficult clients well. He just navigates the course through.” “Great on his feet, thinks quickly, sharp as a razor and very articulate.” (Chambers & Partners 2017)

“Simply excellent.” (Legal 500 2016)

Selected Cases

• Stephen Port Inquests.
• Croydon Tram Inquests.
• R (Wandsworth Borough Council) v HM Senior Coroner for Inner West London [2021] EWHC 801 (Admin).
• Farrell v HM Coroner for North East Hampshire [2021] EWHC 778 (Admin).
• Birmingham Inquests (1974).
• Coroner for Birmingham Inquests (1974) v Hambleton [2018] EWCA Civ 2081.
• Alexander Perepilichnyy Inquest.
• Secretary of State for the Home Department v HM Senior Coroner for Surrey [2017] EWHC 3001 (Admin), [2017] 4 WLR 191.
• Alice Gross Inquest.
• Brecon Beacons Inquest.
• In Amenas Inquest.