Mirren Gidda represented the family of Robert Murphy, whose inquest took place between 7 September 2026 and 11 September 2026 at the Cheshire Coroner’s Court. The jury heard that Robert had been stopped by three plainclothes police officers from Cheshire Constabulary for the purposes of a stop and search under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The jury heard that Robert was searched by one officer, not two as is best practice. He was also handcuffed to the front not the rear during the search, which is the recommended technique. During the search, Robert was able to reach into his pocket and ingest drugs, which ultimately caused his death.

The jury concluded that the decision to apply handcuffs in the front stack position was not appropriate once Robert was led outside the shop where he was stopped to be searched because there was no second safety officer to observe Robert. The jury held that his handcuffs should have been changed to the rear stack and the failure to do so probably more than minimally contributed to Robert’s death.

Mirren was instructed by Emily Driver and Leanne Devine of Leigh Day Solicitors.