Upcoming inquests

Message from the Senior Coroner

On 1 April 2023 the jurisdictions of Brighton & Hove and West Sussex merged to form one jurisdiction, now known as the West Sussex, Brighton & Hove Coroner Service.

Ms Penelope Schofield is the Senior Coroner for the newly formed jurisdiction and will continue to be supported by Joanne Andrews, Area Coroner, and a number of Assistant Coroners.

It is important to note that delivery of local justice will be maintained with local office accommodation and staffing.

Get inquest dates

Go to West Sussex County Council for all inquest updates.

Attend an inquest

Attending  an inquest

The Coroners Court is open to members of the public.

However, accommodation for attendees at the dedicated Coroner’s Court at Woodvale, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 3QB is limited. Therefore priority will always be given to family, other interested persons, and witnesses.

Where there is likely to be a large number or attendees then alternative venues will be used.

If you wish to attend any particular Inquest it would be helpful if you could give an indication in advance of the hearing.

We hold most inquest hearings in person, they're not remote. For this reason, we can't provide a remote link. This may be different if a coroner has determined that a hearing will be remote or hybrid, which is a partially remote hearing. In this circumstance, press or the general public can apply for permission to observe an inquest remotely.

Please make your request 48 hours before the hearing is due to be heard.

To notify us of your attendance, or to request video attendance to an inquest, contact the Coroner's Office.

Please do not attend the Court if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms.

Penelope Schofield 

Senior Coroner for West Sussex, Brighton & Hove