Joshua Robbins

DETECTIVES have launched a corporate manslaughter investigation over the death of a young man who died after balcony railings collapsed, a coroner’s court heard this week.

Joshua Robbins, 23, died in January after falling from the fifth floor at the Holland and Thurston Dwellings in Newton Street, Covent Garden. The block is run by the Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA).

The “erosion” of steel in the structure of the railings is at the heart of the police inquiry, Detective Inspector Mark Paterson told a pre-inquest review at St Pancras Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.

He added: “There is an investigation into corporate manslaughter in regards to ISHA. It’s an ongoing investigation, a lot of the material is held by ISHA who are fully compliant with requests that are being made at this stage. We are in the process and have had meetings with the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service]. They have set us a number of actions. That is the situation.”

No charges have been brought at this stage and the investigation into what ­happened is ongoing.

DI Paterson said the case was complex given the age of the building, adding: “The fundamental issue is erosion of the steel embedded in the concrete.”

The New Journal has reported on the tragic death of Mr Robbins and his family’s fight for answers and launch of the No More Falls campaign. The family attended the hearing remotely along with their legal representation. Those acting for the housing association did the same. The death came six months after a council tenant died falling through a balcony barrier at the Harben Estate in Swiss Cottage, triggering calls for a boroughwide check on balcony structures.

St Pancras Coroner Mary Hassell said she could not continue with an inquest until it was clear if there would be any criminal proceedings or not. After the hearing, a Met police spokesperson said: “At this time our investigation remains ongoing, and we continue to liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service while enquiries continue. These enquiries can take some time given the nature of the investigation and complexities.”

Mr Robbins’ parents said: “This process is extremely painful and retraumatising for our family. Every hearing and every update forces us to return to the events of that devastating evening on the January 29 at Thurston Dwellings. Nevertheless, we will not rest until the full truth is established and those responsible are held properly accountable. The fact remains that our son Joshua is dead, and he should not be. Joshua should still be here.”

Pippa Fleetwood-Read, Chief Executive at Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA) said: “Joshua’s tragic death at the end of January has been deeply distressing for everyone who knew him. We offer our heartfelt and sincerest condolences to them.

“We hope people understand that whilst investigations are ongoing it is not appropriate for us to comment further. We continue to give our full co-operation to the police and other authorities, and we hope that these investigations conclude swiftly so Joshua’s family can get the answers they seek.”