On 11 July 2016 a Russian businessman was found dead in a flat in Pimlico at that stage having apparently hanged himself from the bannisters. His family were confident that he would not have taken his own life and instructed Jeffrey Lewis to represent them in the inquest proceedings at Westminster Coroner’s Court.

Jeffrey, through the Coroner, sought further evidence from the Metropolitan Police, who had determined the circumstances not to be suspicious and it became apparent that there were a number of anomalies surrounding the death which cast doubt upon this initial view and raised the possibility of third party involvement.

At the inquest on Friday 7 July 2017 the Assistant Coroner, Dr William Dolman acknowledged there were unanswered questions surrounding the death and delivered an ‘open’ conclusion (verdict). The excellent and highly experienced specialist Counsel, Iain Daniels of Ely Place Chambers, represented the family at the inquest hearing.