Inquest into the death of Dylan Crossey – which landed the coroner referring the case back to the DPP to reopen criminal investigations
The long awaited Inquest into the death of 15 year old Dylan Crossey was dramatically halted on 24th September 2021, when the Senior Coroner for Preston, Dr Adeley referred the whole matter to the DPP, as a result of the way the evidence had emerged in front of the jury during the first 4 days of this Inquest.
In October 2016 Dylan Crossey was killed in a hit and run accident whilst out cycling with his friend. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the scene but handed himself in to the police the following day.
Although he was prosecuted, the Driver, Mr David Harwood was acquitted.
Throughout the inquest process thereafter, from August 2018, Sefton Kwasnik fought for the family of Dylan Crossey to have the Criminal investigations reopened.
It was revealed in the inquest process that Mr Harwood at the time of the fatal was a 25% shareholder in a company that had a significant contract in place Lancashire Constabulary , who were actually investigating this death.
New evidence arose from an independent investigation by an expert in road collisions, specifically instructed by the Coroner, found that Mr Harwood should have seen Dylan Crossey before the impact took place and should have noticed he had hit Dylan.
The investigations and inquest process are still ongoing.
“This referral to the DPP is extremely rare, but in view of the Family was totally justified. This is the first time I have had this outcome in an Inquest and just proves that the Inquest process is a vital platform for Families to seek to obtain justice for their loved ones” – Sefton Kwasnik
For more information about the Inquest process please feel free to contact Sefton on 07836 630889.
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/dylan-crossey-inquest-halted-coroner-21669440
Author: Mr Sefton Kwasnik