Inquest into the Death in Custody (Maghaberry) of Mr Jonathon Stewart in 2017 Starts Monday 12th June 2023 in Newry Courthouse

PRESS RELEASE

HARTE COYLE COLLINS, SOLICITORS & ADVOCATES

10^TH JUNE 2023

INQUEST INTO THE DEATH IN CUSTODY OF JONATHON STEWART AT MAGHABERRY ON 17^th MAY 2017 OPENS AT NEWRY COURTHOUSE ON MONDAY 12^TH JUNE 2023

The family of 38 year old Jonathon Stewart welcomes the hearing of the inquest before Coroner Toal tomorrow Monday 12^th June 2023 at Newry Courthouse.

The inquest is due to run for over a week until the 20^{th of} June 2023.  The substantive hearing of the inquest comes 6 years after Mr Stewart’s death.

The inquest will hear evidence from Mr Stewart’s family father Michael Stewart and his sister Joanne Griffiths.  The coroner will also call evidence from prison staff including prison officers, medical staff, and prison Governors.

The Coroner’s Court will hear from 2 pathologists, a blood pattern expert, police, and a scene of crime investigator in relation to the circumstances of Mr Stewart’s death at the prison on the 17^{TH of} May 2017.

The coroner has also directed the attendance other persons who were in custody at the time of Mr Stewarts death.

Since 2009 there have been 51 deaths in custody in Northern Ireland which have been the subject of investigation.

The family of Mr Stewart are represented before the Coroner’s Court by solicitor Patricia Coyle of Harte Coyle Collins, Solicitors & Advocates, senior counsel Karen Quinlivan K.C and junior counsel Sarah O Reilly BL.