Her Majesty's Coroner for the District of Manchester West is Mrs Jennifer Leeming LL.B (Hons) Solicitor. This District covers Bolton, Salford, Wigan and Leigh.
What does the Coroner do?
The coroner records and investigates all sudden, unexpected and violent deaths or deaths which might come into these categories. All such deaths must be reported to the coroner. The coroner also holds inquests into deaths reported to her where appropriate.
The coroner's office will at all times uphold the law and carry out the duties of office without fear or favour, affection or ill will. We aim to provide a sympathetic and efficient service making all our decisions with respect for the dignity of the deceased and with compassion for the bereaved.
What is the function of an Inquest?
The function of an inquest is to record:
- Who the deceased was;
- When, where and how he or she came by the medical cause of death.
A conclusion is reached and the coroner records the details needed for the registration of the death.
It is not the function of an inquest to determine any question of civil liability or criminal liability on the part of a named person.
Coroner's Officers
The coroner is assisted in her work by coroner's officers and support staff who are Gary Broome, Tracey Lomax, Barbara Fitzpatrick, Helen Porter, Zena Hartington, Sylvia Berry and Christopher Walker.
These officers are based in the coroner's office, the address of which is shown under contact information.
The coroner is also helped by coroner's liaison officers who are Mark Jackson the liaison officer for Bolton, Michael Hughes the liaison officer for Salford and Christopher Longden the liaison officer for Wigan and Leigh. These liaison officers are based in the areas which they cover.
For reporting and investigating sudden deaths, including enquiries about inquests, please contact the office using the details provided under contact information to the right.
Opening Times
The office is open from 8.30 to 12.30 and 13.30 to 16.00 Monday to Friday. To contact the office during these times please do so by using the information provided under contact information (see the contact tab).
An out of hours service is available (emergency situations only); 10.00 to 13.00 on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays except Good Friday and Christmas Day. The contact telephone number is: 07747 764587.
Outside the usual office hours sudden, violent and unexpected deaths should be reported through any police officer.