William Maskell
14 Dec 2015 · Coroner Elizabeth Earland · Exeter and Greater Devon
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of clear protocol for relevant agencies and police
“The decision to go to [the deceased]'s room was hampered by the lack of a clear protocol for the involvement of the relevant agencies and the Police”
2. autonomy prioritized over welfare
“The respect for the autonomy of the student in running his/her private life appeared to take precedence over a real concern for welfare, resulting in delays in attendance at the scene and a reluctance to take the decision to force entry”
3. erosion of students' human rights to privacy
“it appears that the Students Union's opposition to any erosion of the students' human rights (to privacy) was a factor”
4. lack of timely intervention due to current restraints
“There is a real risk of future deaths of students in distress for lack of timeous intervention because of the current restraints”