Jack Ritchie inquest concludes – Paul Greaney QC invoked Article 2 of ECHR

An inquest lasting 2 weeks into the death of Jack Ritchie, a young English teacher with a long-standing Gambling Disorder, has concluded with the Coroner condemning the care for Jack and calling it “wholly inadequate” and “woeful.”

Paul Greaney QC instructed to represent the family of Jack, had invoked Article 2 of the ECHR. This is the first time Article 2 had been engaged in a case relating to suicide after gambling.

The Coroner had identified multiple state failings. He concluded that Jack’s unnecessary death was explicitly not Jack’s fault.   Gambling Disorder is not a failure of individual responsibility.   It is an Addictions Disorder.

Paul Greaney QC led Jesse Nicholls of Matrix Chambers.  Both were instructed by Merry Varney from Leigh Day Solicitors.

Jack’s parents Liz and Charles have worked tirelessly to highlight the harm gambling causes and the lack of state regulation that permits this continue.   Anyone affected by the issues involved in this case should consult the website of their charity https://www.gamblingwithlives.org/.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-60621122

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/mar/04/jack-ritchie-coroner-gambling-addict-verdict-inquest