Eighteen-Year-Old Pronounced Dead Four Days After Being Found Asphyxiated In Cell

The father of a teenager found asphyxiated and unresponsive in a cell at Leicester Magistrates’ Court is hoping an inquest will provide ‘vital’ answers regarding his son’s death.

Jaskiran Kainth, 18, was found unconscious in his cell on 29 April, 2019, where he had been detained awaiting a hearing. He was taken to hospital but died on 3 May, 2019.

Following Jaskiran’s death, his father Charnjit Kainth, of Leicester, instructed specialist public law and human rights lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate and support the family through the inquest process.

An inquest into Jaskiran’s death is due to be held at Leicester City Hall, starting on Monday, 7 June. 

The inquest is expected to examine the events leading up to Jaskiran’s death, including his contact with mental health services and Leicestershire Police. The inquest will also hear from a number of staff from GEOAmey, contractors for custody services at Leicester Magistrates’ Court where Jaskiran was detained.

Expert Opinion

“Charnjit and the rest of the family remain devastated by Jaskiran’s death. Understandably they have a number of concerns about what happened and are anxious to understand whether Jaskiran’s death could have been prevented. We’re determined to support the family through the inquest and help provide them with vital answers they deserve.

“If the inquest identifies any errors it’s also important that lessons are learned.” Juliet Spender - Senior Associate Solicitor

Charnjit, said: “Words cannot describe the grief me and my family have had to face since Jaskiran’s death. He was my only child and irreplaceable. We were very close. The family have all been devastated by his death and will be for the rest of our lives.

“Jaskiran was a sensitive and unique person. He was good at sports and loved playing football. In his last year of school he was given an outstanding achiever’s award for computer science. He was a shining light and future of our family but died at 18-years-old before he could start his adult life. His life was tragically cut short and he left us way too soon. He will never be forgotten and will always be missed. 

“While more than two years has passed since Jaskiran’s death time has stood still for our family. We’ve so many questions about what happened to Jaskiran and hope that the inquest can at least provide us with the answers we deserve.” 

Jaskiran also leaves behind his grandparents who were close to him.

The inquest was due to take place in April 2020 but was adjourned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Area Coroner for Leicester City and South Leicestershire, Ivan Cartwright, will sit with a jury. The hearing is expected to last 14 days.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families through inquests at our dedicated protecting your rights section.