February 11, 2012 14:52

Coroner who presided over Amy Winehouse’s inquest is suspended

Dr Andrew Reid could face disciplinary action for his role in inquest controversy

Photo Gallery: Amy Winehouse
Photo: Guy Eppel/NME

The coroner who allowed his unqualified wife to preside over an inquest into Amy Winehouse's death has been suspended, according to reports.

Dr Andrew Reid had appointed his spouse, Suzanne Greenaway, to the role of Assistant Deputy Coroner to oversee the investigation into the death of the 'Back To Black' singer, but it was subsequently reported that she had resigned in November as she did not match the requirements which govern the appointment of coroners.

The inquest recorded in late 2011 that Winehouse had died as a result of 'misadventure'. According to UK law, however, Greenaway could only be appointed if she had been in the Law Society as a solicitor for at least five years, but she only joined two-and-a-half years ago. The law also states that you must have five years as a "qualified medical practitioner", which she does not possess.

According to the Daily Mail, Reid could also face disciplinary action for his role in the appointment and will not be able to oversee any hearings while the investigation is taking place. The Judicial Complaints Office released a statement confirming:

Dr Reid has been suspended pending an investigation. We cannot comment further.

Earlier this month, the singer's father, Mitch Winehouse, said that the controversy surrounding the inquest had upset his family. "We were very shocked when we were informed that the coroner was not suitably qualified," he said. "It's hard to believe her credentials weren't fully checked. You'd assume this sort of thing can't happen."

However, he went on to reveal that he and his family had been informed that Greenaway's resignation doesn't necessarily mean that the inquiry will be reopened, or that its original verdict is in any doubt.