Inquests open into Plymouth shootings
Proceedings will take place over the next six weeks at Exeter Racecourse
The jury were today sworn in as the inquests began into the five people shot dead in Plymouth in August 2021.
Coroner Ian Arrow said the proceedings - over the next six weeks - would look to ensure any 'lessons are learnt'.
A girl aged three were among the victims, including the alleged gunman's mother.
The jury were today told the decision to return a firearm to Jake Davison - after it was removed - would be examined in detail.
The inquests of Maxine Betty Davison, 51, Lee Raymond John Martyn, 43, Sophie Iris Martyn, 3, Stephen John Godfrey Washington, 59, and Katherine Jane Shepherd, 66, are being held before - and separately - to Jake Davison whose inquest will start after February 20. Tributes were today paid to those who lost their lives.
The senior coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon Ian Arrow said the inquests expected to hear from members of the police, doctors, and representatives from a range of organisations. He said proceedings would look to potentially 'rectify dangerous procedures' and ensure lessons are learnt from the deaths that 'may save the lives of others'.
At the start of today's session, the coroner 'welcomed all of the bereaved' in the room, and watching remotely, who he told "I'm very sorry for the circumstances that brought us here today - and I do hope this inquest process can provide answers to the many questions that I'm sure you have - without adding further to your distress'.
The jury were told the details of Jake Davison's original firearms licensing application and the decisions to remove and return the shotgun will be covered in detail.
Evidence is due to start being heard from Wednesday.
The inquests are taking place at Exeter Racecourse, because of the numbers of people involved, with senior coroner Ian Arrow allowing an annex to the court at Plymouth Council House where a live stream of the inquest will be provided.
Points that will be considered during the proceedings include how Mr Davison's mother reported concerns about her son to the Government's counter-terrorism scheme. The decision to decline information by a GP when contacted by police firearms licensing will also be examined.
Separate investigations into Devon & Cornwall Police are also taking place. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is looking into potential breaches of health and safety legislation and two members of staff have been served with gross misconduct notices - with a third served a misconduct notice.