A corporate manslaughter investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police following the death of Joshua Robbins, who tragically fell from a balcony at his central London flat. The 23-year-old was reportedly leaning on the railings of his home in Holland and Thurston Dwellings, Holborn, on 26 January when they gave way. He had been checking on a pizza delivery at the time, according to details heard during a pre-inquest review.
The incident, which saw Mr Robbins' father, Will Robbins, witness the fall, has prompted a thorough police inquiry. Fiona Garrett, Joshua's mother, 46, has previously spoken of her family's distress and their urgent need for answers regarding her son's death. She described her son's father as "extremely traumatised" by the event.
During the pre-inquest review at St Pancras Coroner's Court, it was confirmed that Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA) is cooperating with police requests for relevant material. Detective Inspector Mark Paterson informed the court that a forensic engineer attended the scene shortly after the fatal fall, and CCTV footage has also been collected as part of the ongoing investigation. Det Insp Paterson stated that ISHA is "fully compliant with requests that are being made at this stage."
The family's pursuit of clarity has also involved political channels. Ms Garrett previously contacted her son's MP, former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, requesting a meeting. She expressed her appreciation for his office's swift and personal response, noting that Sir Keir had signed the reply himself and added a personal note, which she found to be "really genuine."
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that inquiries are continuing, with officers liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service and keeping the family updated on developments. Senior coroner Mary Hassell has scheduled a further pre-inquest review for 6 January 2027, where the court expects to receive an update on the investigation's progress.