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A very personable & accomplished advocate
Legal 500
Inquests
James has represented a variety of different parties in inquests before coroners alone and Article 2 jury inquests.
In the death of Freddie Civil
James represented the family in this Article 2 inquest. The deceased had died whilst an inpatient at a secure mental health hospital. He had walked off the grounds of the hospital and tragically died of a drug overdose.
Although the questions for the jury to determine were relatively narrow, the inquest demonstrated that the deceased had been let down by the treatment he received at the hospital. The hospital trust implemented changes to their substance abuse care and ensured that similar substance abuse care would be available within a community setting.
Inquest into the death of Rose Carey
James represented the deceased GP medical practice. The deceased had died following an overdose of drugs prescribed to her by the practice. There had been a previous overdose and therefore this was a cause for concern. James was able to establish that the deceased continued to experience significant pain that inevitably required a prescription of pain killers, however the GP practice had reduced the dosage and continued to properly monitor the prescription. The coroner’s findings completely cleared the practice of any wrongdoing.
Inquest for Karen Thompson
The deceased had died from sepsis. The coroner focused on whether more could have been done to identify and treat the infection. James represented a GP who had seen the deceased shortly before her admission to hospital. In cross examination it was possible to establish that at the time the deceased was examined by the doctor her vital signs were normal and he was justified in not admitting her to hospital. The doctor’s actions were not criticised in the coroner and there was no impact on his practice.
View full profile >>Notable Cases
Dr Kefala
European doctor who applied to the GMC and declared a Greek misdemeanour as a criminal conviction but then failed to disclose this to Southampton University when applying to complete a module. She was accused of acting dishonestly and at first instance the panel found her misconduct impaired her fitness to practice and suspended her. On appeal the finding was upheld but the High Court judge did question what the merits of the GMC bringing any case against her in light of the nature of the conviction and the fact she had declared it to the GMC.
GMC v PC K
Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police v PC K – Successfully overturned the decision of the disciplinary panel on appeal to the Police Appeal Tribunal. The appeal was brought on the basis that the panel’s decision to find the officer’s actions amounted to gross misconduct. The appeal succeeded under rule 4(4)c on the basis the proceedings had not been properly recorded, and this could have materially affected the finding or decision on disciplinary action.
HSE v E
Instructed to advise expert witnesses on whether their evidence would breach the official secrets act and what evidence may incriminate them.
Regina v Energy Glass
Prosecuted a company and its director for breaches of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
If you would like to instruct James Bourne-Arton KC 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.
Education & Qualifications
Inns of Court School of Law BVC 2000
University of the West of England – Law (LLB hons) 1997-2000
Directory Quotes
James is described in the Legal 500 as “A very personable and accomplished advocate.”
Legal 500 2022 “is a calm performer who is unfazed in court, and has a good manner with both court and juries alike”
2023 “A junior who is charismatic and persuasive in court. He has a meticulous eye. “
Personal Interests
Cricket and tennis.