Fiona McGhie

Over the years, I’ve represented several families at inquests that have covered in the media. I was notably instructed by four claimants (who were children at the time) in CJ and others v Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police in the Court of Appeal.

I represented four children who were sexually abused by a young man, MP. We argued that Wiltshire Police were liable for this because they’d failed to properly progress an investigation into an indecent image of children found on MP’s family laptop.

The Court of Appeal found that the police didn’t owe a duty of care in these circumstances, so were not liable for negligence. The court also held that the investigative duty under Article 3 of the ECHR (which prohibits inhuman and degrading treatment) wasn’t triggered by a general risk of future harm. In addition, my clients couldn’t rely on the rights of the children shown in the indecent images to support their own claims under Article 3.

The inquest into the death of Poppi Worthington (whose mother I represented) was my most high-profile case and was covered extensively in the national press.

The original 2014 inquest lasted only a few minutes and concluded that the cause of death was unascertained. That inquest was later quashed by the High Court because of serious procedural problems, and a fresh inquest was ordered. I represented Poppi’s mother at the new inquest in 2017.

The coroner concluded that Poppi (aged 13 months) had been sexually assaulted by her father immediately before her death and died from asphyxia while sleeping in an unsafe position in her father’s bed.

Every client is unique and has their own view on what a good outcome for them would be. It isn’t always about maximising compensation but can often be about the process, the accountability, and the answers they get along the way.

I help my clients by endeavouring to understand what’s important to them and then striving to achieve that. I help them achieve the best outcome by listening carefully to their goals, providing clear and honest advice, and pursuing a strategy that keeps those goals at the centre of the case. Whether seeking accountability from public bodies, protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals, or resolving complex disputes, I combine legal expertise with a collaborative and compassionate approach to secure meaningful results.

We work on cases as a team and clients have the assurance of knowing that there is more than one person familiar with their case. We may need to seek advice from a barrister, and we have excellent relationships with the leading sets in the country.

When we meet for the first time, my priority is to listen carefully to your situation and make sure you feel heard and supported. I appreciate that seeking legal advice can feel daunting, and I will do my best to create a calm, approachable environment where you can speak openly. We can work in a way that is most comfortable for you, whether this is in-person or via phone or video call. I will involve my team in your case to ensure you are fully supported at every stage.

From the outset, my goal is to earn your trust by acting with integrity and always keeping your best interests at the heart of everything I do. I will give you clear, honest advice about your case, including the strengths and any potential challenges, so you can make an informed decision about how you’d like to move forward.

You can also expect me to be proactive and determined on your behalf. Where your matter involves public bodies or complex issues, I won’t hesitate to challenge decisions and stand up for your rights.

Above all, I want you to leave our meeting feeling reassured that you have someone in your corner who is committed to guiding you through the process with care and transparency.