20 Jun Inquest into killing of Kabul security officer

MG & Co is representing the family of Close Protection Officer Michael Hampshire at the inquest into his death in Kabul in 2015, where he was murdered by a suicide bomber just minutes after leaving his employer’s headquarters. 

Michael’s tragic death on 17th May 2015 is now subject to an inquest looking into whether his employer, the European Union Police Mission (EUPOL), should have taken steps to protect his life.

Michael was very well respected by his colleagues and worked to a high level of proficiency, providing a secure service transporting EUPOL staff in Kabul.  Although Michael was employed through a private security company, he was provided with daily work instructions by EUPOL. 

The inquest will investigate the adequacy of security checks carried out by EUPOL on the safety of roads used by Michael and other CPOs. It is noteworthy that EUPOL’s method of assessing road safety completely changed after Michael’s death.

Matthew Gold said “My clients are very concerned to ensure that a full investigation is carried out by the Bradford Coroner into the circumstances leading up to the death of Michael.  His parents have heard from their son’s former colleagues that working conditions in Kabul were harsh and that security checks on roads used by Michael should be fully investigated.  My clients want to ensure that similar deaths do not occur and are pleased that improvements have been made by EUPOL to the security arrangements since their son’s death”.

MG & Co has instructed Nick Armstrong, a barrister at Matrix Chambers, to represent the family at the inquest.  Despite Michael’s death occurring outside the UK, MG & Co hopes to persuade HM Coroner Bradford to consider Michael’s death under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which requires the UK Government to take steps to safeguard the lives of certain individuals in UK’s jurisdiction .

 The inquest will be heard between the 8th and 16th January 2018.

 We at MG & Co are happy to provide advice and assistance to families who require representation at inquests.