NO ONE reading the harrowing account of the short life of seven-year-old Blake Fowler can fail to be moved by the tragic tale of his death.

The inquest into his final hours heard how he had suffered injuries over a number of years, including crushed genitals, scalding and being hit by his stepfather – an amateur boxer – while play fighting.

It was while in the custody of his stepfather, Peter Meek, that the inquest heard that it was believed Blake had fallen from the back of a sofa, sustaining the head injuries that led to his death.

That Blake should not have been with his mother’s partner as he was on bail for an alleged violent assault on her at the time, caused him to delay calling an ambulance, issue lies and add to what Southampton coroner Keith Wiseman described as ‘woeful parenting’ by the pair.

No one has, nor will be charged with any offences following Blake’s death. We have only heard his stepfather’s account of that day’s events second hand, however, as the coroner chose not to call him as a witness.

In fact, in the short inquest hearing, evidence was only taken from the police and pathologist. The coroner stated that he drew on the earlier evidence given at a Family Court hearing to paint a larger picture. This paper contends this is not acceptable.

The Family Courts are held in secret and dealt with matters of the custody of Blake’s siblings. The inquiry into the boy’s death should have been held in open coroner’s court in full for the larger community to hear what took place directly from the lips of those involved.

Coroner Keith Wiseman completed his hearing by saying we may never know the cause of Blake’s death. All the more reason we say that those adults responsible for his care should have been called to account before the public bar, including those officials who had been warned he was at risk, to explain in person what took place. Public confidence demands such open inquiry into deaths of this nature.

Evidence given behind closed doors is not acceptable.

In his Facebook account, Blake’s stepfather, who did not attend the hearing, welcomed the fact the matter was over and everyone could move on. There is no moving on for little Blake.