Summary: Mr X complained about the Coroner’s decision not to carry out an inquest into the death of his wife in 2019. We will not investigate this complaint because the actions of Coroners in their judicial capacity are outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about a Coroner’s decision in 2019 that the death of his wife was due to natural causes. He disagrees with the verdict and believes that his wife was murdered by family members to harvest her organs.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as Coroners acting in their judicial capacity. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34A, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered all the information which Mr X submitted with his complaint. I have also considered the Council’s response.

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What I found

4. Mr X says his wife was murdered by family members whilst she was ill in hospital. The Coroner decided in 2019 that his wife had died from natural causes and would not hold an inquest because the evidence was sufficient.
5. Mr X complained to the Council and several other public bodies. The Coroner was acting in her judicial capacity when she made the decision about an inquest. We have no jurisdiction to investigate Coroner’s decisions in this field. The only means by which Mr X could challenge the decision is by way of judicial review in the High Court.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate this complaint because the actions of Coroners in their judicial capacity are outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman