The inquest hearings for Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor were due to begin but were adjourned by East London coroner Her Honour Judge Munro QC.
The inquest will investigate the Police’s investigation of their deaths. The coroner was unable to guarantee the safety of the 20 to 30 individuals including jurors and court staff travelling to and from the town hall every day. The coroner said the chances of the inquests reaching a conclusion were ‘minimal’ in the current climate, with a high likelihood that participants would need to self-isolate at some point. Dr Anton van Dellen is instructed to represent the partner of Mr Daniel Whitworth. There has been extensive press coverage:
Major inquest delayed over concerns about safety of travelling | News | Law Gazette
Stephen Port victims’ inquest delayed by Covid-19 | Barking and Dagenham Post
Judge to consider what to do if witnesses refuse to answer questions about Stephen Port murder investigations | Barking and Dagenham Post
Inquest into Stephen Port’s victims takes place at the Old Bailey | Barking and Dagenham Post
Stephen Port: Coroner will not face investigation in fresh inquest (twnews.co.uk)
Barrister on this case – Dr Anton van Dellen
Dr Anton van Dellen has experience in a wide range of defamation proceedings, ranging from pre-action advice to fully contested High Court claims and appeals up to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He also has sound experience in bringing Judicial Reviews and appeals against a wide range of public authorities, challenging decisions for being unlawful, irrational and/or failing to follow published guidance. High Net Worth clients are represented by Dr Anton van Dellen in a range of litigation involving disputes over assets.