Carwyn acts for Claimants and Defendants in cases arising from boundary disputes, rights of way and trespass.
View full profile >>Inquest into the death of Alex Eastwood
Carwyn, instructed by Kate Prestidge, Partner at DAC Beachcroft, represented Kickboxing GB at the inquest into the death of Alex Eastwood, a talented kickboxer, aged 15. He had taken part in a light contact kickboxing fight. Following the end of the fight, he collapsed. First Responders suspected a head injury. An ambulance took him to a nearby hospital in order to secure his airway and for a scan to be carried out. This showed an acute subdural haematoma. He was then transferred to a specialist unit where surgery was carried out, but despite the best efforts of those treating him, Alex tragically passed away a couple of days later.
The Coroner took the unusual step of issuing a prevention of future death report prior to the hearing of the evidence in the case such was his concern as to how combat sports and contact sports were regulated.
Kickboxing GB were an interested person at the inquest as they were a governing body of the sport. They were not the only governing body and the fight that Alex took part in was not one that they did or could have sanctioned.
Alex was an extremely capable kickboxer and a six time world champion under the World Kickboxing Council governing body, which is separate to KBGB. He trained every day and sparred twice a week. He had taken part in a mat based competition the week before the tragedy where he took part in eight bouts, including one against a 37 year old. The Coroner raised concerns about how this was allowed to take place.
When it came to the fight itself, Alex was matched against a similar opponent. The fight was part of a fundraising event organised by a gym in order to send one of their fighters to a World Championship event. The style of fighting was said to be a light contact event, where the competitors do punch and kick, but do not use full force. This was to take place inside a ring. KBGB do not sanction events of that nature. The organiser of the event had arranged for two advanced first aiders to be present at the fight. It was refereed and judged by officials who were affiliated to other kickboxing organisations.
Carwyn and Kate identified early after they were instructed that there was a need to explain how Kickboxing is governed in the UK. They prepared detailed statements on behalf of KGBG and gained a deep understanding of the various ways in which this sport operates. What is clear is that there is no one regulatory body, however KBGB do have detailed policies and procedures in place. The witness that gave evidence at the Inquest on behalf of KBGB was able to explain to the Coroner how they operate and why the fight that took place was not one that could have been sanctioned by KBGB.
In addition to the evidence around the fight itself the Coroner considered the complicated medical evidence hearing from a number of medical practitioners including those at ringside, the first responders, paramedics, accident and emergency consultants, an anaesthetist and neurologists.
The Coroner concluded that Alex died as a result of misadventure. The inquest has attracted significant media interest. Links to some of the published content are provided within Carwyn's main Inquests profile.
Inquest into the death of Maria Gauchi-Lamport
Carwyn acted for a Local Authority in this matter. The deceased had complex needs and had been placed at a school that specialised in the care of children with such needs. The Inquest resulted in a prevention of future death report directed at the school whilst the local authority were praised for their approach to the care of the deceased.
Inquest into the death of Sally Jane Lewis
Carwyn acted for the Local Authority in this inquest. They were an interested party in the case as the Deceased was a resident in a residential unit run by a private company. The Coroner made findings that the Local Authority had taken reasonable steps to place the deceased despite criticisms of the management of the unit.
L (2025) (Ongoing)
Carwyn represents the Claimant in this complex brain injury claimed currently pleaded at in excess of £7m. The Claimant sustained a brain injury due to clinical negligence.
Adamov v Efez
Carwyn acted for the Defendant in this employer’s liability claim where the Claimant suffered a traumatic amputation to his index, middle and ring fingers when they were caught in a mincer. The claim was pleaded in excess of £1m. The claim recently settled at a JSM.
Gowers v Bifrangi UK Limited
Carwyn acted for the Defendant in this employer’s liability matter. Whilst liability had been admitted, causation and quantum were complicated. The Claimant claimed to have e suffered a deterioration in his pre existing cellulitis and was seeking significant damages. The Defendant’s vascular expert attributed only a minor injury to the accident. The claim was complex due to the type of injury, causation issues and the risk to both sides. The claim settled.
Howells v Treorchy and District Businessmen’s Club
Carwyn acted for the Defendant in this Occupiers Liability Act 1957 case. Liability had been admitted. The claim was complicated by the fact that the Claimant had pre-existing disabilities that required him to use mobility aids, including a scooter. There was a difficult question as to whether the Claimant was able to maintain an accommodation claim on a Swift v Carpenter basis, or whether some other methodology was needed or no recovery should be allowed. The claim ultimately settled at a JSM.
Murphy v Pryor Farms Ltd
Carwyn acted for the Defendant in this case arising from the amputation of the Claimant’s left lower leg following an accident at work. The Claimant was aged 17 at the time and working on the farm of a family friend when they dropped a significant weight onto the Claimant resulting in the decision being taken to amputate the lower limb. The Claimant had ambitions originally to join the RAF as a pilot. The Claimant has made a good adjustment to the effects of the injury. There were significant claims for prosthetics resulting in a multi-million pound claim. Based on advice the parties were able to compromise the claim.
HP
Carwyn acted for the Claimant in this multi-track matter proceeding in the High Court. He was led by Rhiannon Jones QC. The Claimant was knocked over by a car suffering serious injuries, including a significant brain injury. Liability was disputed. In addition, complex arguments existed in respect of quantum and around the issue of capacity. The claim was compromised at a JSM and the settlement approved by the Court.
Abellio London Limited v Ahuja and Ahuja
Carwyn represented Abellio in this matter arising from a road traffic accident. Whilst liability for the accident itself was not disputed the Defendant’s case was that it was so minor that the Claimants could not possibly have suffered any injury at all. At the trial in the County Court the claims brought by Mr and Mrs Ahuja were dismissed and they were found to be fundamentally dishonest. Abellio then commenced committal proceedings. The contempt was admitted.
Pop
A fatal accident at work where the deceased was crushed by the load that he was delivering. Carwyn represented an interested party in this inquest. There are several interested parties in this matter with the inquest considering the complex delivery network and opportunities to check the suitability of the load prior to the accident. Carwyn has attended several pre-inquest reviews in this matter with the full inquest scheduled to take place towards the end of the year.
Hatt v Hertfordshire County Council
Carwyn acted for the Defendant in this matter that arose as a result of an assault at school. The Claimant was claiming a substantial amount as a result of the psychological impact of the assault and other alleged incidents of bullying suffered. The claim was dismissed as the Claimant failed to establish that the school had breached their duty of care to the Claimant.
Gartside v Dew Piling & Ors
Carwyn represented the Defendant in this case where the Claimant suffered a traumatic amputation to his forefoot. Carwyn represented the Defendant at an interlocutory hearing and then at the JSM where the claim settled.
If you would like to instruct Carwyn Cox or would like help or advice in doing so, please call and talk to our excellent clerking team, led by Chief Executive/Director of Clerking, Paul Cray. Our phone number is +44 (0)20 7583 9241. Alternatively, please email us at chambers@farrarsbuilding.co.uk
For more information about our clerking team, please click here for the clerks page.
“Carwyn Cox is a hidden gem. He is very client focused, demonstrates empathy with the client and is a good problem solver. He is a very safe pair of hands who you can trust to guide and look after your case in your clients’ best interests.” Andrew Pieri, Partner, Keoghs
“I have instructed Carwyn on defendant personal injury cases for various clients for over ten years and I have found him to be an extremely thorough and very approachable barrister whom my clients like working with.” Wendy Mayes, Plexus Law
“He demonstrates an excellent knowledge of law within his stated practice areas. He delivers an exceptional high quality of service both on paper and is a strong advocate in Court. He is very personable, user friendly, much liked by clients and has strong backup within Chambers.” Andrew Pieri, Partner, Keoghs
“Carwyn has real expertise in his field and pays great attention to detail whilst at the same time focusing on the core issues. He can relate to clients and is always willing to make himself available for his Instructing Solicitors to discuss particular cases and issues. A very skilful advocate and a real team player. Someone you are always glad to have on your side.” Roger O’Donnell, Partner, Ward Hadaway
“Having instructed Carwyn over many years I find his advice invaluable. He is clear and detailed in his Advice and approach to the issues at hand. His attention to detail and pragmatic approach gives me confidence in his opinion and ability. Personable to both my clients and me and thoroughly professional.” Karen-Marie Archbold, True Solicitors LLP
Carwyn is recommended as a Leading Personal Injury Junior in both legal directories, Chambers UK and Legal 500. Testimonials include:
“In court he is a formidable advocate and a forensic cross-examiner.” “Clients and witnesses like Carwyn as he has a straightforward and no-nonsense approach.” “His quantum advice is clear and succinct.” “He is skilled at putting clients at ease in conferences and at hearings.” “Carwyn is very personable and knowledgeable.” Chambers UK 2024
‘Carwyn is personable and thorough. He is good with clients – firm and fair. He deals with issues succinctly.’ Legal 500 2025
“Carwyn is pragmatic and often suggests an alternative approach in order to get the best results.” Chambers UK 2024
“He steers his clients through very complex cases to get the right result in a very pragmatic and sensible way. In court, he is quite a formidable opponent when it comes to trials and he is robust in cross-examinations.” Chambers UK 2024
“Carwyn goes over and above to provide the best service possible. He is great at building a rapport with both clients and witnesses. He is a brilliant advocate and a pleasure to work with.” Chambers UK 2024
“Carwyn combines intellectual rigour, with a thorough understanding of the case, and polished and smooth advocacy.” Legal 500 2024
“Carwyn recognises the importance of building a good relationship with clients and witnesses.” Chambers UK 2023
Carwyn is an avid sports fan, enjoying almost all sports. Being a keen follower of the Welsh Rugby team and a Liverpool fan means he oscillates between ecstasy and agony on a regular basis. Carwyn enjoys cycling when he can and also skiing.