JOOLS LAW Landmark hearing to take place tomorrow Ellen Roome MBE Cheltenham
Summary
A Cheltenham campaigner for online safety could finally get the answers she has waited for four years. Ellen Roome MBE has been campaigning tirelessly for the preservation and examination of children’s online data following child’s death. She has a High Court hearing tomorrow (July 16) which could see her son, Jools’, inquest quashed and reopened because potential social media evidence was not obtained or examined.
Details
The hearing could mark a significant moment, not only in her fight for answers for Jools, but for other bereaved families facing similar circumstances. Speaking to Punchline-Gloucester.com, Ellen said: “This is about Jools. It’s the first case of its kind.
No other parent has been able to have an inquest quashed for social media data. It will set a precedent for other families and be a landmark case. “We’ve served papers on Gloucestershire Coroners Court and on TikTok – both have chosen not to defend it.
It is purely down to the judge’s decision. “I can’t be confident. I pray that the judge sees we’re parents wanting answers for our child.
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“Social media companies could have handed this data over. They chose not to. I don’t want to have this battle, but it’s a battle I’ve had to have.” Meanwhile, it has just been announced that ITV is making a documentary about Ellen and a major drama by Jeff Pope, alongside Lauren Cowell – Simon Cowell’s wife – about the family’s fight to find the truth about what happened to their son.
Ellen said: “This has never been about fame. If I could have Jools back, none of this would exist. “This is about making sure people understand what bereaved families go through when they are left searching for answers, and why children’s online lives must be taken as seriously as every other part of an investigation.
“If this drama helps just one family feel less alone or inspires the changes needed to better protect children online, then Jools’ legacy will continue to make a difference.” ITV has a real reputation for dramas about crime and injustices, such as Mr Bates and the Post Office , which highlighted the scandal of sub-postmasters being accused of theft and sent to prison due to a glitch in the Post Office’s own systems.
The documentary team has already been following Ellen for two years – in her personal life as well as her campaigning life. She added: “The loss of a child is horrific. If you think I’ve just got up and campaigned and changed the laws, it’s not as easy as that.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester