The period immediately after suffering an unexpected bereavement
is likely to be a highly stressful and anxious period for most
families. Many are unprepared for the Coroner’s Inquest.
The Inquest is an investigation carried out by a Coroner into
the identity of the person who has died, and how, when and where
that person met his or her death. Often, members of family are
called by the Coroner as witnesses. Even if no member of family
gives evidence, the family or its legal representative will be
allowed by the Coroner to ask questions of the witnesses so as
to assist in establishing the circumstances of the death.
Because it is recognised that families often find it difficult
to focus on the legal issues surrounding an unexpected death in
its immediate aftermath, a group of local solicitors and barristers
has set up a free duty lawyer scheme to offer advice, assistance
and representation to bereaved families at the Coroner’s
Courts in Bedfordshire.
At each Inquest held in the county, there will be present at
least one solicitor or barrister experienced in Coroner’s
Courts available to members of bereaved families without charge.
He or she will be introduced to you by the representatives of
RVT. The lawyer will be able to explain the court procedure and
how the Inquest operates, from simple matters like where members
of family should sit, to more complicated matters like the sort
of questions they may ask. If you wish, the lawyer will obtain
details of the evidence the Coroner will hear from the Coroner’s
Officer, and will ask the witnesses questions on behalf of the
family.
The Scheme is co-ordinated by a barrister, Simon Michael, who
may be contacted on 0870 733 7333. The lawyers presently on the
rota are as follows:
Austins
36-40 Liverpool Road, Luton, Beds., LU1 1RS, 01582 456222
Solicitors: Robin Kissane and Anthony Pratt
Bolt Burdon
16 Theberton Street, Islington, London, N1 0QX, 0207 288 4800
Solicitor: Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp
Borneo Linnells
Dixon House, 77-79 Harpur Street, Bedford, Beds., MK40 2SY,
01234 353221
Solicitors: Sue Church & Lynne Steel
Web: www.borneolinnells.co.uk
Heald Mellows
Stewart House, 69-71 Bromham Road, Bedford, 01234 360400
Solicitor: Paul Cooper (email: paul.cooper@healdweb.com)
Web: www.healdweb.com
Oldhams
1 High Street, Baldock, Herts. 01462 895444
Solicitors: Ben Singh, Sylvia Phillips and Emma Raeburn
Email: sylvia@oldhams.net
Park Woodfine
1 Lurke Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3TN, 01234 400000
Solicitor: Ian Pears
Web: www.parkwoodfine.com
Pictons
Ashton House, 409 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 2LJ,
01908 663511
Solicitors: Fiona Mills and Lynne Brown
Web: www.pictons.co.uk
Pictons
28, Dunstable Road, Luton LU1 1DY; 01582 870860
Solicitors: John Wardley
Web: www.pictons.co.uk
Rebecca Faret, Solicitors
Bridge House, Station Square, Flitwick, MK45 1DP, 01525 712112
Solicitor: Rebecca Faret
Shoosmiths
The Lakes, Northampton, NN4 7SH, 01604 543000
Solicitors: Lawrence Marshall, Linda Lee & Judith Dorkins
Web: www.shoosmiths.co.uk/accidentclaims
White Dalton
Victor House, Pitstone Green Business Park, Westfield Road,
Pitstone, Leighton Buzzard. LU7 9GU, 0800 7836191
Solicitors:
Web: www.whitedalton.co.uk
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