Search for an Inquest
Find out which Inquests are coming up in Essex and how to attend
Attendance at Inquests
Inquests are public hearings and physical attendance at the Coroners Court is always open to all, including the public and members of the press. Remote attendance via Microsoft Teams is available to participants such as Witnesses, Interested Persons and Legal Representatives with the Coroner’s prior express approval. In line with guidance from the Chief Coroner remote attendance for non-participants such as members of the public or press is something that can be considered by the Coroner but does require a formal written request which should be made well in advance of the hearing and should be accompanied with written reasons as to why such remote (as opposed to physical attendance) is necessary, the Coroner will then consider whether to grant the request (having regard to the Interests of Justice, relevant regulations and guidance).
We have prepared some information all about Inquests for families and witnesses. These are the upcoming Inquests and Inquest Openings for Essex Coroner’s Service.
Please note:
- Inquests, Inquest Openings and Pre-Inquest Reviews for Essex are usually held in open court in Chelmsford.
- This list is published each working day by 5pm, giving Inquest Hearings two days in advance. Inquest Openings, Pre-Inquest Reviews and Documentary Inquests are listed for the following working day only.
- We work hard to make sure these lists are accurate. Sometimes changes are unavoidable.
- Inquests timings are not confirmed until the Inquest is officially opened. The media should not publish any details of the deceased until after the Inquest is opened.
Search for an inquest
The search covers Inquests from last month and any available future dates. Any requests for Inquests prior to last month should be directed to essex.coronersservice@essex.gov.uk
You can search for a specific inquest by using one or more of the search options below.
| Date of inquest | Name of deceased | Type of inquest | Date of death | Age | Place of death | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
20 August 2026 09:30 Court Room 2, Seax House |
OVENDEN Ellen |
Opening Documentary |
31 July 2026 | 91 Years | Colchester, Essex | Accident |
|
20 August 2026 09:30 Court Room 2, Seax House |
DE BONO Oliver Edward | Documentary | 11 February 2026 | 21 Years | Maldon, Essex | Drug related death |
|
20 August 2026 09:30 Court Room 2, Seax House |
RIX David Peter | Documentary | 21 March 2026 | 78 Years | Clacton-on-Sea, Essex | Mesothelioma of unknown origin |
|
20 August 2026 09:30 Court Room 2, Seax House |
HEWETT Paul | Documentary | 16 February 2026 | 73 Years | Harlow, Essex | Asbestosis of unknown origin |
|
20 August 2026 09:30 Court Room 2, Seax House |
DIGBY David George |
Opening Documentary |
1 August 2026 | 76 Years | Basildon, Essex | Recognised complication of necessary surgery |
|
20 August 2026 09:30 Court Room 2, Seax House |
BURKE Anthony Ernest |
Opening Documentary |
1 August 2026 | 83 Years | Harlow, Essex | Accident |
|
20 August 2026 09:30 Court Room 2, Seax House |
MCLAREN Patricia Ann |
Opening Documentary |
4 August 2026 | 84 Years | Cambridge | Accident |
|
20 August 2026 09:30 Court Room 2, Seax House |
BIRD Ernest Nelson |
Opening Documentary |
28 July 2026 | 84 Years | Cambridge | Accident |
|
20 August 2026 14:00 Court Room 1, Seax House |
BHARJ Cee Cee Kaur | Documentary | 2 August 2026 | 1 Hour | Chelmsford, Essex | Narrative Conclusion |
|
20 August 2026 14:00 Court Room 1, Seax House |
COMPTON Leo | Documentary | 8 August 2026 | 1 Day | Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex | Narrative Conclusion |