Inquest opens after tragic deaths of young brothers

FIRST EVIDENCE GIVEN SIX DAYS AFTER BOYS WERE HIT BY CAR

THE inquest into the deaths of tragic brothers Casper and Corey Platt-May was opened.

Coventry coroner Sean McGovern officially opened the inquest at Warwickshire Magistrates’ Court six days after the boys died after being struck by a car in Longfellow Road, Coventry.

Casper, two, and six-yearold Corey suffered significant injuries and were both pronounced dead in the aftermath of the inci- dent on the after- noon of Thursday, Febru- ary 22.

Giving evidence at the five-minute hearing, Inspector Jack Boardman, of West Midlands Police, said: “At approximately 2pm on Thursday, February 22, a non-stop collision occurred on Longfellow Road in Coventry.

“At this time a black Ford Focus has struck Casper Platt-May, aged two, and Corey Platt-May, aged six. They were crossing the road with their family.

“The car was found abandoned a short distance away.” Mr McGovern stated that a pathologist has given a provisional cause of deaths for the boys as injuries suffered in a road traffic collision. Police have charged both Robert Brown, 53, and Gwendoline Harrison, 41, with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. They appeared in court at the weekend. Brown of Attwood Crescent, in Wyken, Coventry, also faces charges of driving while disqualified, no insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence. Harrison, of Triumph Close, also in Wyken, faces a further allegation of common assault. No pleas were entered at the magistrates’ court hearing and the next hearing will take place at Warwick Crown Court on March 22. Insp Boardman also said during today’s hearing: “Robert Brown and Gwendoline Harrison were detained and arrested. “Both have been charged with offences in relation to this incident, including causing death by dangerous driving, and have been remanded in custody until March 22.”

Insp Boardman also stated that “owing to the nature of this incident this is a major investigation” and inquiries are ongoing, and he urged anyone with information who hasn’t yet come forward to contact police.

These words were echoed by Mr McGovern, who also said: “I offer my condolences to the family.”

The inquest will be suspended until after the outcome of any legal proceedings.