Lucy Coulson represented the family of Iliza Parkinson into the inquest of Iliza’s death, which was heard alongside the inquest into the death of Danielle Parkinson, her mother.
The coroner, sitting in the Bradford Coroner’s Court, heard evidence over two days. Much of the evidence related to Danielle’s mental health and how this was managed before her death.
The coroner found that on 31 July 2024, in the early hours of the morning, there was a house fire, which was attended by fire and rescue services. The coroner was satisfied that Danielle set the fire with the intention of taking her life and that of her children. In respect of Danielle, the coroner recorded a finding of suicide.
Iliza was just 8 years old when she died. It was noted that Iliza had sustained a number of sharp force wounds which were consistent with defensive wounds. For Iliza, the coroner came to a conclusion of unlawful killing.
The coroner also noted that there were missed opportunities in respect of Iliza. During Danielle’s treatment, from 11 July 2024, at no point was the voice of Danielle’s children captured and at no point were safeguarding involved.
There has been significant press interest in this case.
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Thank you to Kelly Hutton and Sofia Mitchell of Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors for their kind instructions.
Lucy would like to reiterate her condolences to Iliza’s family.
Mum meant to kill daughter in house fire – inquest – BBC News
