Camille Warren’s inquest into the death of James Stow adjourned

16 June 2025

Garden Court North's Christian Weaver represented Alistair Taylor's family pro bono during the inquest at Blackpool Coroner's Court. Credit: Credit: Derick Hudson / Shutterstock.

James Stow’s inquest will now take place in February 2026. Credit: Derick Hudson / Shutterstock.

The inquest into the death of James Stow at South London Coroner’s Court has been adjourned and relisted to take place on 23 February 2026.

It was originally scheduled to commence on 2 June 2025, lasting eight days, until it was decided that an adjournment was necessary for further evidence to be obtained.

Rosa Parks, the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust ward on which James was placed, has been instructed to produce a further statement and for enquiries to be made into communications between staff about James’ care.

James’ family are extremely disappointed about the further delay to the inquest, but want to ensure that all relevant evidence that will assist the jury in establishing the circumstances surrounding his death is explored.

A Pre-Inquest Review Hearing will take place on 22 September 2025 to ensure matters are in hand for the final inquest date.

Garden Court North’s Camille Warren and Farleys Solicitors’ Kelly Darlington are instructed to represent James’ sister.

“This is an extremely sad case of a very vulnerable 47-year-old man who managed to abscond during a state of mental health crisis”, Kelly said. “When he was found, this was in a location a stone’s throw away from where his sister had lived for many years. The inquest will investigate a number of important issues surrounding his death, including how James managed to abscond, and the actions taken by the police in trying to locate him when he was reported missing.”