Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Please note that due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic there is currently a backlog of inquests in the Exeter and Greater Devon Coroner area. Inquests are taking place and where possible attendees are being asked to participate remotely.
Should you have any questions about the impact of COVID-19 please contact the Coroner’s Office by email to coroner@devon.gov.uk or by telephone on 01392 383636.
Further information about attending court.
The Exeter and Greater Devon Coroner Service will be contacting all families and other interested persons with details of the new dates for inquest. Please wait to be contacted by the office. Your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated during this challenging period. Further information regarding any changes due to COVID-19 will be published on this website as required.
His Majesty’s Senior Coroner for the Exeter and Greater Devon District – Philip Spinney
His Majesty’s Coroner holds office under the Crown and is an independent judicial officer.
The role of the Coroner is to investigate and record the causes and circumstances of all sudden deaths where the cause is not known, violent or unnatural and any death which occurred whilst the deceased was in lawful custody.
Investigations are carried out for the Coroner by the coroner’s officers appointed by Devon & Cornwall Police. Inquests, which can be attended by interested persons and sometimes expert witnesses, are usually held at County Hall, Exeter.
The jurisdiction of the Exeter and Greater Devon Coroner covers the areas of east, north and west Devon (see map of jurisdiction below).
Area Coroner: Alison Longhorn
Assistant coroners: Deborah Archer, Luisa Nicholson, Nick Brown.
