23 March 2007
R (Paul) v Deputy Coroner of the Queen’s Household and Assistant Deputy Coroner for Surrey [2007] EWHC 408 (Admin), [2007] All ER (D) 31 (Mar)
Under the Coroners Act 1988, s 8(3), a coroner is obliged to conduct an inquest with a jury if there is reason to suspect that the death occurred in circumstances, the continuance or possible recurrence of which is prejudicial to the health or safety of the public or any section of the public.
HELD For this provision to apply:
(i) the circumstances need not cause the death;
(ii) the prospect of recurrence required for the section to apply is low—the possibility of recurrence, not any higher chance; and
(iii) only a section of the public needs to be at risk from recurrence.
