Colchester: Freddie Farrow inquest to be held next February

A pre-inquest review took place at Seax House in Chelmsford today, September 5.

The review was about Freddie Farrow, aged five, who suffered a serious head injury inside Fenwick, in Colchester High Street, on July 27, 2021.

Freddie died on August 2, six days after being airlifted to hospital.

Pre-inquest - Seax House in Chelmsford (Image: Newsquest)

Freddie’s mother and aunt were present online for the review hearing.

Coroner Lincoln Brookes started the hearing by offering his “deepest condolences” to Freddie’s family.

He said: “One thing is obvious is how tragic and deeply upsetting to have to consider the death of a child in any circumstance, but the sudden and traumatic death of Freddie touches anyone frankly who hears of it.

“One can only begin to imagine the huge loss of his passing.

Store - Fenwick in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

“I never lose the track of the fact, Freddie was not just a name, a little boy, a much-loved family member. I can only guess at the loss his family continue to experience.”

Mr Brookes emphasised the inquest “will not be a trial”, but a “coronial and jury investigation” which will look at the “factual issues of the case”.

It will not look at negligence or record any views of blame.

He continued: “It is a fact-finding hearing based on cold evidence - hopefully reliable evidence.”

During the pre-inquest, it was confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive is continuing to investigate Freddie’s death.

The scope of the inquest next year will look at “how the mirror came to fall on Freddie”, what could have been done to prevent it, the mirror in question, and whether it was manufactured, installed, and maintained safely.

A second pre-inquest will take place on December 2 at 11am.

The full inquest will be held from February 3 to 6 next year.