Inquest date set for toddler found with dead father in Skegness

An inquest into the death of a toddler who was discovered with his dead father is set to start in February next year.

Two-year-old Bronson Battersby and his father, Kenneth Battersby, 60, were found at a property in Skegness on 9 January 2024.

A fifth pre-inquest review at the Myle Cross Centre in Lincoln heard a four-week jury inquest was scheduled to begin on 22 February 2027.

Jayne Wilkes, area coroner for Greater Lincolnshire, also requested that any outstanding evidence be submitted by 23 October, with a final witness list by 27 November.

The timings were agreed with representatives from Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire County Council who joined Friday's hybrid hearing remotely, along with Bronson's sister and mother.

At the opening of the inquest in June 2024, coroner Paul Smith heard Bronson had died from dehydration and "appeared to be quite malnourished".

Pre-inquest reviews are an administrative case management hearing to ensure that an inquest is managed effectively, efficiently and openly, according to the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.

27 December 2023: A social worker "has contact" with Kenneth Battersby and a home visit is arranged

2 January 2024: The social worker arrives at the property but there is no response at the door. She tries to locate Bronson at other addresses and, unable to find him, speaks to her manager and the police

4 January 2024: A second attempt at a home visit is made. Again, there is no response. The social worker informs police

9 January 2024: A third attempt is made and the social worker alerts Battersby's landlady. Entry is gained and the bodies of both father and son are found

15 January 2024: County council notifies the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel (CSPRP) of a serious incident that meets the criteria for rapid review

17 January 2024: Council confirms a review is under way and Lincolnshire Police says it has referred itself to the IOPC

20 February 2024: Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership announces an in-depth independent review supported by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel

6 June 2024: Inquest hears two-year-old Bronson died from dehydration. Hearing is adjourned until December

12 September 2024: IOPC confirms investigation into Lincolnshire Police has found "no indication" of a breach in police professional standards

28 November 2024: Pre-inquest review hears it was still not possible to establish when Bronson died

1 May 2026: A fourth pre-inquest review estimates the inquest will take four weeks and is set for early 2027

25 September 2026: A fifth pre-inquest review takes place. A start date of 22 February 2027 is set for a four-week jury inquest

Source: Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police

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