Coroners Service for Northern Ireland

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Coroners are independent judicial officers who are available at all times to deal with matters relating to deaths that may require further investigation to establish the cause of death.

Coroners in Northern Ireland are either barristers or solicitors and are appointed by the Lord Chancellor.

The Coroners Service is headed by a High Court Judge, Mr Justice Weir. There is one Senior Coroner, Mr John Leckey, and three Coroners, Ms Suzanne Anderson, Mr Brian Sherrard and Ms Joanne Donnelly.

Coroners inquire into deaths reported to them that appear to be:

Unexpected or unexplained
As a result of violence
As a result of an accident
As a result of negligence
From any cause other than natural illness or disease, or
In circumstances that may require investigation

The Coroner will endeavour to establish the cause of death by ordering a post mortem examination, obtain witness statements and medical records as necessary, and proceed to holding an inquest if required.