The Supreme Court has struck out a claim that could have led to compensation being paid to the killer of three men in the Exeter area.
Alexander Lewis-Ranwell killed the men in 2019, but at his criminal trial was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity.
Mr Lewis-Ranwell, the claimant, had sought to recover compensation on grounds of negligence from Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and G4S Health Services. He alleged that the four defendants were negligent in failing to provide him with adequate care or a mental health assessment. He alleged that, but for the alleged negligence, he would have been admitted to hospital and would not have killed the three men.
Three of the four authorities challenged the claim, but their appeals were rejected by the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
This week however, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court has allowed the appeal, holding that Lewis-Ranwell is barred from bringing civil proceedings in negligence to recover compensation – effectively striking-out his claim.
Allowing his negligence claim to proceed, the court concluded, would undermine the coherence and integrity of the legal system.
Devon County Council has welcomed the Supreme Court decision.
Its spokesperson said:
“Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the three victims.
“We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision and are pleased that court supports our case that the claimant should be barred from recovering compensation for the consequences of the killings. It would have been inappropriate for an individual to receive financial recompense in these circumstances.”
The inquest into the deaths of the three victims is expected to begin in late September 2026.
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