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No bar on reporters attending inquests, says chief coroner

Michael GreenwoddThe Chief Coroner has made clear that journalists are entitled to go to inquests during the coronavirus lockdown after reporters were charged for recordings of hearings they were asked not to attend.

The Office of the Chief Coroner, His Honour Judge Thomas Teague QC, has told HTFP there “isn’t any reason” why journalists should be barred from inquests while current restrictions are in place.

The clarification comes after Michael Greenwood, head of Reach plc’s news wire, raised the issue on social media when a court reporter who covers London for the service, which is used by Reach’s regional and national titles, was asked for cash in exchange for a recording of an inquest she had been asked to stay away from.

Other journalists have since come forward to confirm they had faced similar issues.

Michael, pictured, posted on Twitter: “Interested to know if anyone else has experience of this?

“Coroner’s court asks journalist not to attend hearing because of lockdown. Offers to send recording of hearing but wants BACS transfer of £5 to cover recording costs.”

Journalists to respond to Michael confirming their own experience of the practice included the Daily Mirror’s Rosaleen Fenton and Wales-based journalist Barrie White.

The Office of the Chief Coroner has defended the charge for post-hearing recordings but says journalists should be able to cover inquests as they are taking place.

A spokesman for the Chief Coroner told HTFP: “It is standard practice for Coroners to charge a fee for recordings after an inquest. This is outlined in the Coroners Allowances, Fees and Expenses Regulations 2013.

“However, as far as we are aware there isn’t any reason why journalists should be barred from inquests. The Chief Coroner issued guidance to coroners last year about remote hearings and access for the press during the pandemic.”

The guidance can be found here.

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