Draco Chapman died on April 23, 2019 having suffered "irreversible and catastrophic brain injuries" weeks earlier at his home in Lakenham, Norwich. He was just four years old. 

The alarm was raised on April 2 by his teenage brother, who discovered him trapped between two stair gates fitted on top of each other between the home's living room and hallway, . 

The boy was taken to hospital, first in Norwich and then at Addenbrooke's in Cambridge, before dying at Quidenham Children's Hospice 16 days after the incident. 

An inquest was held into his death, which concluded in January 2022 and found that he died as a result of an accident. 

Draco Chapman died in 2019 following a stairgate accident (Image: David Chapman)

However, this finding was quashed following a judicial review and the case was reopened in March 2023. 

The probe had been expected to take place last month, but a recent review at Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that some evidence remains outstanding, including from Norfolk County Council’s children’s services. 

The inquest has now been listed to take place later in the year over seven days between July 13 and July 21. 

At a previous preliminary hearing, it was determined that the new inquest would include evidence from staff at Draco's school - Tuckswood Academy and Nursery - relating to concerns that they had raised about him before the tragedy. 

Draco Chapman's father, David Chapman (Image: Newsquest)

Following the original inquest, Draco's father David Chapman described how the family had been "destroyed" by the traumatic incident. 

Paying tribute to his son, he said: "Draco was a very mischievous little boy. The whole family loved him dearly." 

The Coroners' Courts Support Service helps bereaved families and witnesses attending Norfolk Coroner’s Court. If you are a bereaved family member or a witness please get in touch by calling 0300 111 2141 or emailing helpline@ccss.org.uk 

© Norwich Evening News