Boy who threw cheese at William Perkin school unaware of risk of fatality

William Perkin CofE High School. Picture: Google Streetview

The inquest into the death of a 13-year-old boy at a Greenford school has heard from the pupil who threw a piece of cheese at him with fatal consequences.

The boy, who was the same age and therefore cannot be named for legal reasons, told Poplar Coroner’s Court he was unaware of Karanbir Cheema’s dairy allergies and that, although he admitted it was immature behaviour, there was no intention to harm. He said he was not specifically aiming at Karanbir when he threw it. He apologised at the time and was not aware of the risks of contact for someone with a serious allergy.

Karanbir Cheema

Karanbir, who was also known as Karan, suffered a severe reaction when he was hit on the neck by the piece of cheese during break time at William Perkin CofE School in Greenford on 28 June 2017. He died two weeks later.

The police were called to the incident and the boy who threw the cheese was arrested with the case originally being investigated by the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

In a statement presented to the court his mother Rina said that her son was very diligent in the way he managed his allergies and when he was later taken to hospital a consultant said he didn’t think simple contact with a piece of cheese would have caused such a bad reaction.

A teacher at the school gave evidence that an Epipen kept at the school for Karanbir was nearly a year past its expiration date and an email had been sent to his mother informing her. When the Epipen proved to be ineffective another being kept for a different pupil was tried.

At the time of his death Alice Hudson, executive head teacher of Twyford Academy Trust, said of Karan, "He had many friends who are devastated at his death, as are the staff.

"He was a bright and keen student who excelled in maths. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karan's family."

May 2, 2019