Frances Andrade
28 Jul 2014 · Coroner Richard Travers · Surrey
The coroner's concerns
1. vulnerable witness receiving unclear psychiatric counselling advice
“Consideration should be given to instituting measures that will ensure that clear and unequivocal advice is given to a vulnerable witness in relation to the obtaining of psychiatric counselling in relation to issues arising from evidence which they will be giving in forthcoming criminal proceedings”
2. complainants lacking timely judge direction explanation
“Consideration should be given to instituting measures that will ensure that complainants in criminal trials are given a full and timely explanation as to the directions given by a trial judge in relation to counts on an indictment following the receipt of submissions of there being no case to answer in respect of those counts”
3. family member accessing prescribed medication for overdose
“Where there is a history of overdoses being taken by family member A using medication that is prescribed to family member B, consideration should be given to what steps could reasonably be taken to secure that medication with a view to restricting access to it by family member A”