Tom Coke-Smyth represents the family of Lance Corporal James Brynin at the inquest into his death in Afghanistan in a 'friendly fire' incident. The matter was adjourned following the family's application that the case be referred back to the Service Prosecuting Authority for consideration of a charge of unlawful act manslaughter.
Read The Telegraph report HERE
Read the BBC report HERE
The family issued the following statement:
'James was killed whilst on active duty during his second tour of Afghanistan on the 15th October 2013, his loss was devastating.
To hear months later that James had been killed by one of his colleagues completely overwhelmed us. That feeling has never gone away, if anything the sense of sorrow has increased in light of what we have heard over the past six days. James was a high achiever in everything that he did; he would never approach anything in a half-hearted way. He demanded the best from himself and those around him. James was Mentioned in Despatches for his bravery on the day that he died and many others put their own lives in danger in an effort to try and save him. As a family we are humbled and eternally grateful for their efforts.
The impact that our son's death has had on us and the subsequent piecemeal disclosure of information from the Ministry of Defence regarding the circumstances of his death has been quite indescribable. We find it astounding to learn that despite substantial and very critical evidence having been gathered by the Royal Military Police, there was then no re-examination or scrutiny into how and why James was shot and killed. James was after all serving his country at the time of his death.
We are therefore very pleased that the Coroner has adjourned the case in order for that evidence to be re-examined afresh before the inquest concludes.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our legal team of Barrister Mr Thomas Coke-Smyth and Hilary Meredith Solicitors and for the continued support of the Royal British Legion, as well as James' many friends and colleagues who continue to support us.
At this very difficult time we request that the press please respect our privacy whilst we now wait for the proper conclusion of the process.'
Thomas Coke-Smyth