INQUEST BACKLOG BUILDS WITH 44% INCREASE IN 12-MONTH OLD CASES

The total number of inquests yet to be concluded, despite being open for more than 12 months, has increased by 44% in a year, according to new statistics released by the Chief Coroner. A recent report from the Chief Coroner to the Lord Chancellor has revealed that the number of Isle of Wight cases over 12 months old in 2023 was 117, an increase of 36 – or 44% – from 81 the previous year. Nationally, having reduced between 2021 and 2022, the total number of cases not concluded within a 12-month period has risen from 4,812 in 2022 to 6,149 in 2023. The Chief Coroner, HHJ Thomas Teague KC, has admitted that there is currently an unacceptable level of avoidable delay within the coroner service. Here on the Isle of Wight, the most recent data shows that at the end of 2022, 264 inquests were still open compared to 188 in 2021, 195 in 2020 and 107 in 2019. The average wait for an inquest grew from 56 weeks in 2021 to 63 weeks in 2022. Detailed information on the current state of the coronial system on the Isle of Wight is expected in the coming weeks with the release of the 2023 data. Island Echo currently has a list of more than 50 names of deaths that are expected to go to inquest, the oldest of which dates back to July 2021. It’s noted that in the first 4 months of 2024, not a single full inquest has been listed to be heard. However, a number of Section 9C ‘in writing’ hearings have taken place across March and April. It is hoped that the backlog can be reduced with the introduction of a dedicated Coroners Court at Seaclose in Newport, as previously reported by Island Echo. Nearly £90,000 has been set aside to transform the first floor of the offices at Seaclose into a dedicated court by September. This will provide a large courtroom, jury retiring room, conference rooms and modern office space. It is also known that the Isle of Wight Council – which funds the Coroner Service – is currently looking to employ 2 coroner officers, at a total cost of around £55,000. In 2022, HM Senior Coroner Caroline Sumeray said she was hoping to have an Assistant Coroner appointed to enable 2 courts to be run. However, 2 years later, there is no sign of an assistant…