December 17, 2012 15:21

Inquest into Amy Winehouse death to be reheard

2011 verdict to be reinvestigated following resignation of coroner

Photo Gallery: Amy Winehouse
Photo: PA

The inquiry into the death of Amy Winehouse is to be reopened, it has been confirmed today (Dec 17).

Winehouse, who died in July 2011, was judged to have died by misadventure in the original enquiry in October 2011. However, it has since emerged that St Pancras Coroner Dr Andrew Reid had hired his 'unqualified' wife to assist with the inquiry. Dr Reid was suspended in February as the Official for Judicial Complaints (OJC) began an investigation and has since resigned from his position. Reid's wife has also resigned from her role as assistant deputy coroner.

The Camden New Journal is today reporting that following the two resignations and the reasons behind them the inquest into the death of Winehouse has been listed to be reheard and that her name features on a list of inquests to be heard next at St Pancras Coroner's Court in January 2013.

Known as Ms Greenaway, the assistant deputy coroner had no medical qualifications but does boast a successful legal career in her native Australia. Anyone leading an inquiry in the UK is expected to practise law or medicine for five years in the country. Ms. Greenaway oversaw around 30 inquests at St Pancras Coroner’s Court including the 2011 Winehouse case.

The OJC said on Wednesday (Dec 12): “Dr Andrew Scott Reid, HM Coroner for Inner North London, has resigned from judicial office following a disciplinary investigation regarding his decision to appoint Ms Greenaway as Assistant Deputy Coroner without thoroughly checking whether she had the requisite qualifications for that specific role.”

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that Amy Winehouse's Camden home has been sold for £1.98m.

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