Lee Balkwell death: Dad blasts Essex Police after winning year-long battle in High Court
Les Balkwell. - Credit: Archant
A grieving dad’s quest for the truth has taken another step in the right direction after he won a year-long battle for never seen before police documents to be disclosed.
Les Balkwell, 69, has been fighting for justice since his son Lee, 33, was found dead at a farm in Dennises Lane, Upminster, in 2002.
The dad from Hornchurch has always suspected foul play and last Friday’s High Court ruling for Essex Police to release documents in its “flawed investigation” is a “big moment” according to the 69-year-old.
After adjourned hearings on October 20 and November 1, last Friday, Mr Justice Supperstone ruled that Essex Police must disclose to Les Balkwell and his advisers documents he originally asked for back in January.
Among the requests from Mr Balkwell include personal notebooks of senior officers investigating the case, photographs taken at the scene and email exchanges between the police and pathologists.
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He said: “Essex Police say they are sorry for the appalling investigation into the killing of Lee Balkwell, but it is an empty apology, as the recent hearing in the High Court has shown.
“Instead of disclosing documents that would help the family go towards understanding Lee’s death, they forced us into court, causing more stress and pain to my family.
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“The judge saw through this latest disgraceful attempt to cover up what happened, using local taxpayers’ money. We will continue to fight for justice for Lee until Essex Police come clean.”
It is the first time Mr Balkwell has had full legal representation in the courts and has applauded barristers Kirsty Brimelow QC and Alex Gask QC in their work.
