High profile inquest lawyer, Joanne Kearsley, from Farleys’ Burnley office has been appointed Deputy Coroner for South Manchester.
Joanne, from Fence near Burnley, was appointed as an assistant deputy coroner in April 2007 and has now taken up the position as Deputy Coroner for the jurisdiction which covers Stockport, Tameside and Trafford.
Joanne said: “I am really pleased to have been appointed deputy coroner of South Manchester. The role is extremely challenging and every decision that a coroner makes has a direct impact on the lives of a deceased’s loved ones. I hope to continue assisting families in finding answers, in the least disruptive way possible, at what is a very distressing time.”
Deaths are reported to the coroner if they are sudden or unexpected, or if the doctor is unable to issue a death certificate. The coroner is then responsible for establishing the cause of death and considering whether to order a post mortem and / or hold an inquest.
Joanne has developed a nationwide profile representing many families whose loved ones have died in custody, at police stations, prisons and psychiatric units. Many of these cases naturally attract considerable media attention, which can add to the complexities.
Recent cases include that of teenager, Petra Blanksby, who committed suicide whilst in police custody and Gareth Price who was found hanging at Lancaster Farms youth offenders institution.
Joanne will continue to work at Farleys Solicitors dealing with complex inquest cases and some specialised civil cases involving public bodies and local authorities.
Assistant solicitor Astrid Coates will be helping Joanne with new inquests, complaints against the police and civil litigation cases.
Contact us by e-mail or call us now on 0845 287 0939 to speak with an Inquest Solicitor at Farleys Solicitors LLP.