Independent inquiries into the care and treatment of Peter Bryan
Peter Bryan
In February 2004 Peter Bryan killed Brian Cherry in east London, dismembered his body and fried and ate part of the brain. The attack came just a few hours after he was discharged from an acute psychiatric ward. Peter Bryan was sent to Broadmoor Hospital. After just 10 days at this high security hospital, Peter Bryan attacked and killed another patient, Richard Loudwell.
Independent inquiries were commissioned into each of the homicides, chaired by barristers Jane Mishcon and Robert Francis QC respectively. Due to the complexity of the work, Verita was commissioned to project manage the two inquiries. Verita's role included compiling around 100 lever-arch files of evidence, advising the panels on inquiry procedures and ensuring the efficient processing of interviews and report production. Verita lead Derek Mechen was acknowledged by both chairs as being central to the process. Jane Mishcon commented that:
"His inordinate patience and efficiency made our difficult and lengthy task that much easier and his sensitive handling of the investigation progress benefited all concerned."