At the November meeting the members were informed and entertained by the retired Norfolk Coroner Mr. Bill Armstrong. With his wit and delivery he kept the members amused, as well as interested, by giving the history of the office of Coroner, it’s place in the Judicial system, and how it deals with inquests. It is not only deaths they deal with but with other matters such as Treasure Trove. The office can be traced back as far as 1194, the reign of Richard 1st when Coroners were under his control and it was a means of extracting money from the populace.
There were for many years several Coroners in Norfolk as well as other counties but this was changed and only one coroner now serves each County . Coroners are appointed by the County Council and have such high office that they cannot be removed from that office without good reason. Years ago a Coroner would have been a Doctor or a Lawyer but now only Lawyers can be appointed.
Where a sudden death occurs, where the deceased has not been seen by a doctor during the previous 14 days before the death, then it falls within the jurisdiction of a Coroner. These deaths are usually murder, suicide, Industrial and other accidents, also any death in a Prison or Psychiatric hospital. The evidence surrounding each death has to be fully ascertained and presented to a Coroner so that a decision can be reached and verdict pronounced. Following post mortem examinations and all facts considered the Coroner can pronounce his verdict which in very few circumstances is challenged
Coroner’s courts with Juries must be held where death is a result of any Industrial accident, a Prisoner or a person in Psychiatric care. Bill always made the grieving relations of the deceased person the main focus of his attention when dealing with any enquiries and evidence gathering for an inquest. He made sure that were treated with the utmost respect and care and saw the organisations CRUSE and Nelsons Journey of the utmost importance in helping those in distress.
He was enthusiastically applauded for a very interesting and informative talk
Barry Leggett