Introduction
A coroner is a special judge who investigates unnatural or violent deaths, where the cause of death is unknown, or because the death took place in prison, police custody or another type of state detention, such as a mental health hospital.
- The investigation may include an inquest hearing.
- The coroner’s role is to find out who died and how, when, and where they died.
- The coroner cannot make a finding that someone is guilty of something or to blame for something.
- As a relative or representative of the person who died you have the right to receive documents and evidence and to ask the witnesses relevant questions at the inquest hearing.
- Your main contact with the coroner will be through the coroner’s officer who will answer any questions you may have and keep you informed of progress
Adult Safeguarding
The Coroner may have specific questions arising from the death of an adult at risk. These are likely to fall within one of the following categories:
- Where there is an obvious and serious failing by one or more organisations
- Where there are no obvious failings, but the actions taken by organisations require further exploration/explanation
- Where a death has occurred and there are concerns for others in the same household or other setting (such as a care home) or
- Deaths that fall outside the requirement to hold an inquest but follow-up enquiries/actions are identified by the Coroner or their officers
In the above situations the Safeguarding Adult Partnership would consider a referral for a Safeguarding Adult Review.
Any cases currently being progressed under safeguarding adults or where it is suspected that abuse or neglect of an adult at risk has caused or contributed to their death must be raised with the Police and the Coroner.
All persons with relevant information should inform the Coroner’s Officer, who will liaise with the Coroner. There is a duty to share information from adult safeguarding enquiries or processes with the Coroner.
The Coroner's Office
Derriford Business Park, Plymouth PL6 5QZ
Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.15pm
Friday 7.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 2.45pm
Email: hmcoroner@plymouth.gov.uk
If you need to contact the coroner outside these hours call Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or email the Coroner Officers at PlymouthCoronersOfficers@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
Office administration opening hours
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Phone: 01752 204636
Next of kin: 01752 487402 (you can leave a message)
Website: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/coroner
Adult Safeguarding contact details and links
If you require any further information, please contact the Plymouth Safeguarding Adults Partnership: