Docs grossly negligent in Warren Mottley’s death

A decision of gross negligence was handed down today by Coroner Magistrate Graveney Bannister in the inquest into the death of Warren Mottley, the late brother of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

The case was ongoing for the last six months, and Magistrate Bannister delivered the verdict after deliberating for one and a half hours.

He said: “Having reviewed the evidence of the inquisition of the matter into Warren Mottley’s cause of death on 29th June 2022, the inquest is closed, the verdict or finding of the Coroner is that the deceased came to his death and Dr. Sahle Griffith and Dr. Nigel Farnum failed to diagnose, or misdiagnose Warren Mottley, or failed to treat an infection, or shock; there was a breach of duty which gave rise to obvious and serious risk of death; the conduct was an egregious failure to exhibit the minimum standard of care; otherwise put, I find the conduct of both doctors was so bad in all the circumstances as to amount to a criminal act or omission and that they were grossly negligent.”

Speaking to CBC News after the decision made in the Supreme Court, in Bridgetown, Stewart Mottley, brother of the deceased in the inquiry, said this was a difficult moment at this time of the year.

He also formed part of the family’s legal team, which included Sir Elliot Mottley K.C., Leslie Haynes K.C., Douglas Mendes and Faye Finistere,

He declined to discuss any particulars of the verdict.

Attorneys for the doctors were Francis DePeiza, Michael Lashley K.C. and Sade Harris.

Lashley told CBC they will review the Coroner’s decision today. In court he made an oral application for the written judgments. He added that they await further instruction from their clients. 

The decision was witnessed by Amor Lady Mottley, mother of warren Mottley and his sister Elan.

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