Inquest finds Nimroy Hendricks unlawfully killed following police and social services failings

An inquest has concluded that Nimroy Hendricks, a talented musician known as Nim, was unlawfully killed by "Child A," the 14-year-old daughter of his partner, following significant failings by police and social services.

Nimroy Hendricks was fatally stabbed on 27 October 2020 by Child A, who had been identified as profoundly vulnerable and traumatised by West Sussex Youth Justice Services and Social Services. Child A had been a victim of multiple serious sexual offences and exploitation in her early life and exhibited a history of severe violence, including robberies and attacks on neighbours and fellow pupils. She had even stabbed her mother. Despite being on a Child Protection Plan and known to pose a "high" risk of harm to herself and others, she had not received critical therapeutic support recommended by professionals.

In September 2020, Child A's behaviour deteriorated dramatically, resulting in violent assaults that forced her and her mother into temporary hotel accommodation, further exposing Child A to sexual exploitation. After threatening her offender manager and becoming increasingly unstable, her risk level was assessed as “high”. Authorities failed to specifically assess or mitigate the risk to Nim, despite knowledge of her threatening behaviour.

In late October, Child A’s mother informed social services that she planned to leave Child A in Nim’s care. No additional support provided to Child A or Nim. After Child A went missing, her mother explicitly warned police of her daughter’s threats to stab her and requested secure accommodation for Child A. When police located Child A, they left her in the early hours of 27 October with an unsuitable individual who had a history of violence, drug offences, and provided police with a false address.  Later that day, social services failed to attend a crucial strategy meeting intended to address the serious risks posed by Child A.

The Coroner concluded that the failures by Sussex Police and West Sussex Social Services potentially caused Nim’s death.  

For coverage related to the case, see Sky News, BBC, The Sun, The Telegraph, Daily Mail, ITV.

Frederick Powell, acted for Nim’s family, instructed by Megan Phillips of Bhatt Murphy. Frederick specialises in complex inquests human rights law. For further details or enquiries, please contact our Inquests and Inquiries Practice Manager, Grace Walton.