Lee Balkwell death: High Court ruling ‘major breakthrough’ says dad
Les Balkwell with a picture of his son Lee, who was found dead in a cement mixer in 2002 - Credit: Archant
Lee Balkwell’s dad believes a High Court ruling that Essex Police failed to investigate his son’s death properly is a major breakthrough in his 13-year fight for justice.
New dad Lee, 33, was found dead at a farm in Dennises Lane, Upminster, on July 18 2002.
He was found crushed between the outside of a cement mixer drum and chassis, with his legs twisted on a pile of rubble.
Les Balkwell, 68, who has always suspected foul play, said the latest court hearing strengthens his case.
“It’s one of the major breakthroughs,” he said. “My allegations have now been proved by the IPCC and the High Court. We are going to push and push to get the truth out.
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“We keep hitting brick walls with the establishment but at some stage the wall is going to be fully breached.”
Les’s fight takes up all of his time, and has done for 13 years. He has spent his life savings and sold three collectible cars to pay for his legal costs.
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His wife Jackie visits Lee’s grave at Upminster Cemetery every day.
“I owe Les, Tanya [Lee’s siblings] and Jackie a lot,” said Les, who worked as an engineer for 48 years. “They have been so supportive of me.
“This fight ain’t over, I’m nearly 70, but I’ve got plenty of fight in me to expose what’s gone on.
“We are going to be asking for full disclosure of the police’s investigation, all the documents.
“If needs be we will be asking for certain witnesses to appear at court and if they don’t want to we will turn to witness summons.
“In every review people have been found guilty of misconduct. We feel there needs to be an independent investigation into what happened to Lee – there’s never been one.”
