FAMILY and friends of Ben Smith who died two years ago after being assaulted on a night out in Bath, say they are preparing to get justice for their son, as the inquest into his death starts next month.
No-one has been prosecuted for Ben’s death, at the age of 18, as the Crown Prosecution Service has said there is not enough evidence to bring charges.
The inquest will begin on 20th November at the Coroners’ Court in Bristol, considering the circumstances around his death.
To help the family afford a barrister, friends set up a Just Giving page where they have so far raised around £1,320 out of the £5,000 target.
“Coroners’ court is our last chance to get justice for our son,” says Ben’s mother, Rachel. “He was punched in the head and fell, never to recover. We are fighting all we can and have a barrister to help, this has been a long and painful journey and Ben’s side has not been allowed to be told. How can anybody walk away with no charge is beyond us and we pray the coroners’ court is where we will get that justice.
“As a family we are broken and always will be. Ben was such a loving, caring boy with a great sense of humour. As a child he swam with Melksham Swordfish and he loved his football, playing for many years for Melksham Town.
“Our son was loving life. He had a beautiful girlfriend and many friends. Ben would do anything for anybody and has never been in trouble. Having passed his driving test after the lockdown and almost completed his carpentry apprenticeship with the company Fitting Tribute, his life was just beginning.
“Until he went out that awful night never to come home. It is every parent’s worst nightmare. The last time we spoke to our son, will be two years this Halloween.
“We are eternally grateful to all our friends, Ben’s friends and to the community for all the support we have been given.”
To support, visit: https:// tinyurl.com/3z4yabwh
The coroner’s hearing starts at 10am November 20th at Flax Bourton in Bristol.
