Why we cover local inquests

As a journalist, I have covered many inquests, but the coverage is not always welcome.

It’s understandable: inquests are highly sensitive and people often don’t want the details of a loved one’s death to be publicised.

The Stray Ferret has been criticised for covering inquests, but our intention is never to cause anyone – especially family members – distress.

Inquests are public investigations overseen by a coroner to establish the facts surrounding a death and what lessons can be learned.

They are open to the public and the press, and journalists have reported on them for centuries.

We cover inquests when there is a public interest so we can publicise any failings that could have contributed to someone’s death or lessons that can be learned to avoid similar deaths.

Most recently, we covered the inquest of a young man from Pateley Bridge, who died after his car left the A59 and hit a tree.

The man wasn’t wearing a seatbelt at the time, and he overtook two cars near a crest in the road.

We felt there was a strong public interest in reporting on this case to highlight the importance of wearing a seatbelt and driving safely. 

If that story made even one person think about wearing a seatbelt or driving more responsibly, then our coverage served its purpose.

Similarly, at 22-year-old Sophie Lambert’s inquest, it was revealed a community mental health worker called Sophie a “f****** nuisance”, which Sophie overheard on the phone.

The coroner later said there had been “unacceptably poor encounters” between the mental health services and Sophie and her mum.

We reported on this to highlight an egregious comment made by someone who was supposed to help Sophie.

Family members are often not informed before inquests that the press and public may attend, which we find surprising. 

This responsibility lies with the coroner’s court – not the press.

Family and friends are always welcome to contact the Stray Ferret to provide a statement about their loved one if we cover their inquest – we welcome the opportunity to publish family memories of loved ones and their comments on the inquest, if they choose to do so.

You’re also welcome to make us aware of an inquest in advance. 

Without subscriptions, the Stray Ferret wouldn’t be able to continue reporting on inquests – or any story, for that matter.

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