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Search for an Inquest

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.

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
21 August 2025 09:30am Court Room 2, Seax House MCCARTHY Stella Margaret Opening/ Documentary Inquest 18 July 2025 67 Years Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Accident.
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
21 August 2025 09:30am Court Room 2, Seax House ASHTON Alan Opening/ Documentary Inquest 24 July 2025 89 Years Harlow, Essex

Accident.
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
21 August 2025 09:30am Court Room 2, Seax House HUMBERSTONE David Henry Opening/ Documentary Inquest 25 July 2025 90 Years Walton on the Naze, Essex

Accident.
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
21 August 2025 09:30am Court Room 2, Seax House CASTLE Frank Thomas Opening/ Documentary Inquest 26 July 2025 79 Years Colchester, Essex

Mesothelioma of unknown origin.
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
21 August 2025 09:30am Court Room 2, Seax House MATTHOLI Christine Mary Opening/ Documentary Inquest 26 July 2025 79 Years Basildon, Essex

Recognised side effect of life saving treatment.
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
18 August 2025 10:00am Court Room 1, Seax House BURCH Barbara Joan Inquest hearing 22 February 2025 65 Years Chelmsford, Essex
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
18 August 2025 09:30am Court Room 1, Seax House DOWERS David Edward Opening 30 July 2025 76 Years Harlow, Essex
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
18 August 2025 10:00am Court Room 2, Seax House CLARKE Edward Arthur Pre inquest review 5 April 2024 80 Years Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
18 August 2025 13:00pm Court Room 2, Seax House DERVIN Gregory Peter Frederick Pre inquest review 10 May 2024 35 Years Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Date of inquest Name of deceased Type of inquest Date of death Age Place of death Conclusion
18 August 2025 09:30am Court Room 2, Seax House PUNCHER Valerie Anne Opening 7 August 2025 84 Years Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex