Previous inquest into Amy Winehouse’s death not valid

Deputy assistant coroner who oversaw the inquest into Amy Winehouse's death was not qualified for the position

13:39 18 December 2012

The previous inquest into Amy Winehouse’s death had not been technically heard because the deputy assistant coroner who oversaw the proceeding was not qualified for the position. Because of this, the inquest will be reheard.

Deputy assistant coroner Suzanne Greenaway, who was appointed to the role by her husband Andrew Reid in July 2009, recorded a verdict of misadventure at the original hearing last year.

However, it was found that Ms Greenaway was not qualified for the position.

According to the British Law, she must have either five years experience as a qualified medical practitioner, or have five years with the Law Society. She reportedly did not meet any of these criteria’s.

Because of this, her husband, Andrew Reid stood down from his position after the Lord of Chancellor and the Lord of Chief Justice expressed the intention to remove him from his post following an investigation.

Doctor Shirley Radcliffe, Interim Coroner for Inner North Lond, confirmed the news saying: “An inquest into the death of Amy Winehouse will be heard at St Pancras Coroner’s Court on Tuesday 8 January 2013.”

She added: “After taking the appropriate legal advice I am minded that due to the previous assistant deputy Coroner's ineligibility to hold coronial office that the inquest into the death of Amy Winehouse had not technically been heard.

“I have therefore scheduled an inquest to take place where the evidence will be heard again in public before a judgment is made.”