The News in Portsmouth has become embroiled in a row with the local coroner after a witness was allowed to give evidence without revealing her identity in court.

The paper claims no order was formally made for the woman not to disclose her identity at the inquest in line with the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

As a consequence, The News was not able to put together a proper objection for the coroner to consider in time.

However, Hampshire’s deputy coroner Simon Burge is standing by his decision.

The hearing concerns a fatal car accident in March when 75-year-old man died in a road accident as he walked home in Bishop’s Waltham.

At the inquest on Tuesday the witness, who was driving the car involved, merely confirmed that the personal details shown to her on a card were correct.

It was only when the court reporter from The News tried to ascertain her name that he was told that the court had decided not to reveal her identity.

She had also asked to give evidence behind a screen but this was rejected.

Mark Acheson, deputy editor at The News, said he felt the woman’s request to remain anonymous was probably connected to a brawl at victim Amaline Barney’s funeral.

As a result of the fight two men were given suspended jail sentences for affray and witness intimidation.

Mark said that although the paper was running a story today about the coroner’s decision, he felt there was no way forward on the matter.

“We have registered our concerns with him,” he said.

“She came to the inquest and was simply called to the stand by the coroner who said ‘Can you confirm you were the driver?’.

“I know the Southern Daily Echo has also written to the Lord Chancellor but I think he’s going to back the coroner’s decision.”

In an e-mail to The News, Mr Burge said: “I quite understand your concerns and wish to assure you that the decision … was not made lightly.

“The driver of the car made an application prior to the resumed inquest which I considered in private.

“She indicated to me that she was fearful of possible reprisals and/or intimidation by third parties who might blame her for causing Mr Barney’s death.

“She was extremely reluctant to appear and asked for total anonymity, including a screen, as a condition of doing so.

“I took into account the riotous behaviour and violence which marred Mr Barney’s funeral, as well as the driver’s subjective fears for her own safety, and decided, after careful consideration and consultation with colleagues, to allow her partial anonymity.

“It is for this reason that I arranged a police escort.

“I did not accede to her request to give her evidence from behind a screen because I felt it was important for members of the Barney family to have a proper opportunity to see and ask questions of the witness.

“The decision to grant partial anonymity was not challenged by anyone in court.”