We know it can be a daunting and stressful time for the family, friends, and colleagues of a deceased person who may be required to attend their inquest. To ensure the best possible environment is available for those attending an inquest a new West Sussex Coroner’s Court has officially opened in Horsham. The location of the new court has been chosen as it is well served by public transport and reasonably central within the county.
The new facilities at Parkside, Chart Way, Horsham, includes a private family room where families can take a break away from the two court rooms both before the inquest starts and afterwards. Audio and visual technologies have been installed to provide high quality sound for those both in the court room and attending online.
The court layout and facilities enhance the support given to families by the Coroners Courts Support Service, a charity which provides volunteers to give emotional and practical support to families and witnesses attending inquests.
An official opening took place last week, and in attendance were Lady Emma Barnard, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex and a Patron of the Coroners’ Court Support Service, Her Honour Judge Alexia Durran, The Chief Coroner, Philippa Gogarty, the High Sheriff for West Sussex, and Roey Burden OBE, Board of Trustees Honorary Secretary and Founder of the Coroners’ Courts Support Service.
The Senior Coroner of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Penny Schofield, welcomed guests to the opening and said how the Coroner service is delighted to have been provided with this dedicated facility by West Sussex County Council, which allows the service to ensure that families are put at the heart of the process. An inquest is a difficult time for all those attending, and these new facilities will ease some of the pressures that they face.
Also attending was Cllr Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue. Duncan said: “An important element of our Council Plan is to provide support for people who may find themselves in a vulnerable situation. These new courtrooms and facilities will hopefully make it easier and less stressful for those who are required to attend an inquest in West Sussex.”
The Senior Coroner oversees investigations into violent, sudden, and unexpected deaths. Last year in West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, the Coroner held 798 inquests.
If you are attending an inquest and would like support, you can contact the Coroners’ Courts Support Service at https://coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk/
For more information about the Coroner’s Service please visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/births-ceremonies-and-deaths/deaths/coroners-service/