coroners inquest

[Looby75]

Hi, I hope someone can help with this..
Last year an ex partner of mine started harrassing me and was arrested by police on several occassions, he continued to stalk me and even tried to break into my home..(i have kids at home and this not only effected me but that of my kids) Lots of events unfolded and in the end he took his own life... Since this all happened i am under the dr for anxiety and life hasnt yet got back to normal.. Last night i had visit from police to say i have to attend court for the inquest.. I simply cant face the thought of raking all this up again and facing his family. Is there anyway i can give evidence in private away from family or if i have to go at all. They have loads of statements over the period of harassment,, would this not be enough? I feel sick at the thought of having to go so any help regarding this would be muchly appreciated.
Many thanks

[VHG]

An inquest is only to try to acertain how the person died.

It is not a "trial" and nobody is going to accuse or threaten you.

It will be upsetting for you, but the coroner will be very understanding and will be aware of what you have been through.

Try to go if you can.

[gness]

As VHG says. The inquest into my OH`s death was in a less formal setting than I expected. You may be able to take a friend with you. I took two people but I think you have to inform the court of this beforehand. I seem to remember receiving the notice to attend in writing.

[venator]

I don't think they can compel you to attend - check with the CAB?

[gness]

p.s. There is info online under Coroner`s Court Services.

[Looby75]

Hi, Thanks for the replies..
Ive looked at a few web sites and some say yes i do have to attend but others say i may not at the discretion of the coroner..
I know the best thing to do is to go and get it over with but im just a bag of nerves and feeling constantly sick to the stomach at the thought of it. :(

[bednobs]

you could always ring the coroners office - it'll be in the phone book

[tonywiltshire]

I think you have made a wise decision to attend and to answer your question the coroner does have the power to summon you to the inquest.
Hopefully you will not find your attendance to distressing, from what you say I very much doubt there will be a jury (there are circumstances where a jury is compulsory), it is quite informal, there are no strict rules of evidence, the coroner will ask questions of the witness and then interested parties may be given the opportunity to question the witness if they wish. As has been said it is not a trial, no one should be threatened in any way and you should not feel you or anyone else is on trial.

[EDDIE51]

I may be wrong but I do not think the family of the deceased will be there at the same time as you. This is not a court of law it is a coroners court , as you have been told it is informal and is NOT a trial . There is nothing to suggest you are responcible for your ex's death in any way.

[HowardKennitby]

I have no knowledge of English law relating to inquests. Why not contact the coroner and enquire what sort of information you will be asked to provide. Perhaps you could supply a written statement.

[SeaJayPea]

Not a nice thing to be going through.

I've been to one or two inquests over the years and they're not like court. The last one, which was a couple of years ago, was just the coroner and the witnesses sitting round a table with a few officials. The question and answer bit was done more as a chat as anything else, and I don't think anybody even had to swear an oath.

Coroners know what people are going through and try very hard to put people at their ease before they even start their evidence. It will be easier than you think.

Good luck

[shoota]

Bedknobs advice is good - the Coroners Officer, (a Police Officer) will explain all you wish to know and advise you of all the possible alternatives. It is possible they will accept written evidence but may ask you to be on hand should questions arise.
Let him/her know how you feel and I'm sure they will do their best to help you.