Landmark Air Pollution Inquest into Death of 9-Year-Old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah Comes to an End

The second inquest into the death of nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah has now drawn to a close after ten days.

Speaking to press outside of court this morning, Ella’s mother, Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, made the following statement:

“I want to say, first and foremost, thank you to everyone who has supported me and my family on this journey throughout not just the last few months, but also the last seven years. I am only one person and I couldn’t have achieved this second inquest for Ella had it not been for the work and support of my friends and my family, my solicitors, and my counsel. Thank you to the public and their ongoing support to help make this a reality.

“Thank you also to the journalists who have followed and reported on my daughter’s story – you have shown sensitivity and also shone a light on an issue which reaches far beyond my family. I am grateful for that and I hope Ella would be proud too.

“The evidence we’ve heard over the course of this inquest has covered the very real threat of air pollution to human health and the necessity of reducing toxic emissions to mitigate against that threat. Whatever the outcome, I sincerely hope that the issues of air pollution and the dangers it poses to vulnerable individuals, especially children, will have a much-needed impact on those who can bring about urgent change.

Lastly, I would like to thank the coroner for holding a detailed investigation which has allowed public scrutiny of an important issue over the last two weeks.”

The verdict from deputy coroner Phillip Barlow is expected at 11am on Wednesday 16th December, at the Coroners Court on Tennis Street.

The Legal Team

Family Solicitors – Hodge Jones & Allen

• Jocelyn Cockburn, Partner, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Department
• Guy Mitchell, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Solicitor
• Megan Finnis, Paralegal

Family’s Counsel

• Richard Hermer QC, Matrix Chambers
• Adam Straw, Doughty Street Chambers
• Ravi Mehta, Blackstone Chambers.

For further information, please contact:

Yellow Jersey PR:
Georgina Whittle
Georgina@yellowjerseypr.com
T: 0808 239 4011 | 0808 239 5975

Emma Becirovic
Emma@yellowjerseypr.com
T: 0808 239 8378 | 0808 239 5975