Coroner's Service

H M CoronerHer Majesty’s Coroner for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is Mr Ian Stewart Smith.

What is the role of the Coroner?
The role of the Coroner is to record and investigate all sudden deaths, unexpected deaths, violent deaths and deaths whilst in lawful custody or deaths which might come into these categories.  You must report a sudden, violent or unexpected death to the Coroner’s Office.

What happens when a death is reported to the Coroner?
The Coroner may order a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death.  The Coroner may also hold an inquest which is an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the death.

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.

Service statement
The HM Coroner’s office undertakes at all times to uphold the law and carry out the duties of Office without fear or favour, affection or ill will.  We aim to provide a caring efficient service making all decisions with respect and dignity for the deceased and compassionate consideration for family and friends at what will be a most stressful time.  Our priority is to serve all people and visitors of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Contact us
For reporting and investigating sudden deaths, including enquiries about inquest, please contact:

Post
Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire
Coroner’s District
Office of H.M. Coroner
Coroner’s Chambers
547 Hartshill Road
Hartshill
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 6HF

Opening timesThe office is open from 08:45 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday and 08:45 to 16:30 Friday.

Outside the usual office hours, sudden, violent and unexpected deaths should be reported through any police officer.

Telephone  01782 234777    Fax  - 01782 232074     E-mail  - coroners@stoke.gov.uk