Inquest hearings will be held in person at Plymouth HM Coroner's Court. The court will be open to the public, participants and press.
Remote access
Coroners will make judicial decisions about remote access based on the circumstances of each individual case. Individuals can apply for permission, but this may be refused.
If you want to attend any hearings remotely, you must email hmcoroner@plymouth.gov.uk at least 48 hours before the hearing and include the reason why remote access should be granted.
Coroners are independent judicial officers, meaning no-one else can tell them or direct them as to what to do but they must follow the laws and regulations which apply in England and Wales. They are usually lawyers.
Every coroner must have a deputy so someone is always available to deal with any deaths reported to them. The Senior Coroner in Plymouth is Phillip Spinney.
A death is reported to the coroner if it's sudden or unexpected or if the doctor is unable to issue a certificate. The coroner is responsible for establishing the cause of death and deciding on whether to hold an investigation. In certain circumstances, the coroner may decide a post-mortem of the deceased body is needed.
For more information relating to the Coroner's Service please view the guide to coroner services and coroner investigations on GOV.UK.
Press enquiries
Press enquiries on inquests and openings should be made by submitting a press information request.
Post-mortems issued by the coroner
Inquests held by the coroner
Moving a body out of England or Wales, bringing a body home
The Coroner's Office
Derriford Business Park, Plymouth, PL6 5QZ. View on Google maps.
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday | 7.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.15pm |
Friday | 7.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 2.45pm |
Contact
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
Phone: 01752 487402 (you can leave a message)