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I caveat the following with confirmation that I have the utmost and profound sympathy for this family, and any family who are bereaved and have to go through the coronal process.

However

This does not appear to be an Art 2 matter i.e. featuring systemic failures of the State or its Agents, and where the State will be represented by lawyers at any inquest hearing. It is confusing why therefore Leigh Day consider that the case merits needing legal advice paid for by the State, when the coronal system is inquisitorial and where the coroner will examine the witnesses.

However

If the social media entities choose to instruct lawyers to represent them at inquest, that changes matters considerably. I think if a party chooses to engage lawyers, then there should be an equality of arms and the bereaved should likewise be entitled to be represented. Whether this is paid for by the State is a political decision, but I can see that there is little appetite from this current government to utilise public monies for these types of matters.

All in all, the effects and unforeseen consequences of LASPO will continue to rear their ugly heads unless there is a sea change within the current political and economic climate to alter this toxic piece of legislation. Until that time, the bereaved will inevitably be forced to tread the coronal path on their own against parties with far deeper pockets.