Letter for publication : Senior Coroner for Inner North London
I was appalled to read yet again ( Ham and High 4/1/18) about the problems Ms Mary Hassell, the Senior Coroner for Inner North London, has caused for bereaved Jewish and Muslim families. I recall these problems began several years ago after her move from Wales, where she probably did not have experience of the needs of minority communities. One would have thought that before applying for the job, she might have reflected on the needs of one of the country’s biggest Jewish communities and our large and growing Muslim population, including the need for prompt burial, watching over the deceased, and avoiding invasive autopsies.
Since her appointment , Ms Hassell has faced one court case after another, with legal costs in six figures met by taxpayers, brought by bereaved families to whom should have given space to grieve not force to the court room to obtain respect for their cultural expectations.
Our corner of London is amongst the most diverse in the country. Ms Hassell’s insensitive behaviour– probably unique in our local public services- flies in the face of harmonious community relations and cannot be tolerated any longer..
It is long overdue that she should go. The Lord Chancellor should sack her, if he cares about the reputation of our legal system.
Andrew Dismore AM
Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden
City Hall
SE1 2AA
