Tara Mulcair

Who? Tara Mulcair, solicitor, Birnberg Peirce, London.

Why is she in the news? Represents Evidence Joel, the mother of Richard Okorogheye, 19, who went missing from his home in west London on 22 March 2021. Richard’s body was found in a lake in Epping Forest on 5 April 2021. Last week the Metropolitan Police apologised to Richard’s family for failings identified by an IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) investigation into the handling of initial reports that he was missing.

Thoughts on the case: ‘The IOPC investigation and the Metropolitan Police’s apology to Richard’s family confirmed and reinforced what we always knew – Richard’s family were let down by the police when they needed them most. It is unfortunate that the police have taken so long to apologise.

‘It is regrettable, and has been deeply distressing for Richard’s family, that despite both the IOPC and the Metropolitan Police concluding that the performance of six police staff fell below the standard accepted, nobody will face misconduct proceedings. Where is the accountability?

‘We now look ahead to the inquest. I hope that the coroner will conduct a full and fearless inquiry into Richard’s death to give Richard’s family the answers they so desperately need.’

In a statement, deputy assistant commissioner Bas Javid, of the Metropolitan Police, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Richard’s family and I would like to apologise for the distress caused by the substandard level of service, as highlighted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

‘The investigation by the [IOPC] found six Met employees, three officers and three members of police staff, should receive reflective practice, which will be delivered by way of enhanced training for those officers and staff.

‘None of the employees were found to have a case to answer for misconduct.’

Dealing with the media: ‘The power of the media cannot be overestimated in this case. Richard’s mother gave a number of highly effective interviews at the time of Richard’s disappearance which may have impacted on the search for him. We are grateful to the many journalists who have reported the story so sensitively and kept Richard’s case in the public eye.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘To give a voice to clients such as Richard’s family, who are thrust into a process they did not ask for while in the depths of grief, and to use the law to effect positive change.’

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