Novichok poisonings ‘brought about by Russian officials, including Putin’ were ‘abject failure’ by government to protect public

The novichok poisonings were an “abject failure” by the UK government to protect the public, an inquiry has been told.

Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia and former police officer Nick Bailey were among those poisoned by the substance in Salisbury in March 2018.

Dawn Sturgess, 44, died after being exposed to the nerve agent, which was left in a discarded perfume bottle in nearby Amesbury.

Counsel acting on behalf of her family criticised the response of both the government and police, adding: “We’re lucky no more people ended up dead.”

In closing remarks, Michael Mansfield KC told the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry the attempted assassinations of the Skripals were “preventable” and Russia had “alarming access” to their address.

Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov, both identified as Russian military intelligence (GRU) officers, have denied being the culprits.

Adam Straw KC, also acting on behalf Ms Sturgess’s family, told the inquiry on Monday the disposal of the novichok was an “extremely dangerous act” brought about by Russian officials.

“We invite you to come to certain conclusions, specifically about Dawn’s death, which include the following,” he added.

“Firstly, the novichok which killed Dawn was intentionally left in the UK by Petrov and Boshirov on the weekend of 2-4 March 2018.

“Secondly, the operation to deposit novichok in the UK was brought about by other Russian officials, including Mr Putin. Thirdly, this was obviously extremely dangerous.

“Fourth, this caused Dawn’s death. And finally, we invite you to conclude that this was an unlawful killing.”

Several people were also left severely ill and more than 80 people were admitted to A&E.

Mr Mansfield said Russia’s threat to Mr Skripal was “manifestly obvious”.

“We say, in this instance, there has been an abject failure by the United Kingdom government to protect the United Kingdom public,” he added.

Despite the threat, he said, “nothing” was done, including any “basic obvious precautions”.

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Wiltshire Police’s response, meanwhile, was “severely inadequate”.

“Officers’ failings were then compounded by a serious failure to provide Dawn’s doctors with accurate information,” he said.