Lawyer in the news: Patrick Maguire, HCC

Who? Patrick Maguire, partner and head of the London office, HCC. 

Why is he in the news? Represented three families of the victims of the Plymouth shootings during the Keyham Inquest.

Thoughts on the case: ‘I was instructed by the three families shortly after the attack. At that stage, my clients (and I) didn’t know much about the background other than what had been reported – that the perpetrator had his gun seized for a brutal assault on two children, and then the gun was given back to him a few weeks before his shooting spree. As the evidence evolved, it became pretty clear that Devon and Cornwall Police had made some indefensibly bad decisions in returning the gun. The inquest demonstrated the systems used within the firearms licensing unit at Devon and Cornwall were shambolic. The jury found that the catastrophic and systemic failures within the firearms unit contributed to the victim’s deaths. The jury also found that these system failures exist at a national policing level and Home Office level.’

Devon and Cornwall Police chief constable Will Kerr said: ‘I accept Devon & Cornwall Police has failed our communities in regard to Jake Davison, but had there been clearer national guidance, direction and specific legislation concerning firearms licensing, decision-making locally may well have been very different. We must all take responsibility when mistakes have been made but must also learn as police forces collectively to prevent future tragedies.’

A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘We will reflect on the coroner’s report, including any recommendations, and respond in due course.’

Dealing with the media: ‘My clients suffered significant media intrusion. They are normal people who got caught up in a catastrophe and had some members of the written press knocking on their door for interviews days after the attack. As a result, they have been understandably cautious around the press. There really ought to be some rules around press conduct in the immediacy of an incident. That said, I always try and work collaboratively with the media and they can carry a powerful message which they have done in this case.’

Why did you become a lawyer? ‘I started my legal career at 18 as the tea boy at PR Hannah and Co in Kingston. Not much has changed 20 years on – I’m still the only one in the team making the tea.’

Career high: ‘This case is up there. There aren’t many cases that can potentially change legislation for the better and make the country safer.’

Career low: ‘My first trial which I lost in Luton County Court. It was a low-value personal injury case. A chastening experience.’