Avon coroner suspended while complaint is investigated

Avon coroner Paul Forrest has been suspended on full pay while an investigation is carried out into alleged misconduct.

The Post understands a complaint has been made claiming that Mr Forrest made inappropriate comments, although officials have refused to make public any details of the complaint or the person who made it.

Mr Forrest was suspended from his post last week pending the outcome of an official investigation. The complaint against him was made in September 2005 but it has taken until now for him to be suspended.

An investigation into his conduct will now be carried out by a judge, who will make a recommendation to the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice. If it is found he has made inappropriate comments, then he could lose his position.

Mr Forrest made headlines around the world last year when he found that Bristol father John Hogan had

unlawfully killed his son Liam when he jumped off a hotel balcony in Crete in 2006. That verdict is being challenged in the High Court by Hogan's legal team.

A formal complaint cannot be made about a verdict a coroner reaches in an inquest into someone's death. That can only be challenged by way of an appeal in the High Court.

A coroner is officially responsible for investigating deaths – particularly those which happened in unusual circumstances – as well determining the causes of death.

Mr Forrest's role is currently being carried out by Assistant Deputy Coroner Maria Voisin.

The investigation comes just weeks after the coroners court complex at Flax Bourton, North Somerset – a former Somerset police headquarters and magistrates court – was reopened after undergoing a £2 million refit.

Simon Caplan, a spokesman for Bristol City Council, which employs the Avon Coroner's Court staff, said: "We are not commenting on any matters relating to Mr Forrest. The business of the court is proceeding as usual in line with the regulations laid down by parliament, with all scheduled hearings being presided over by a team of assistant coroners."

Judiciary officials refused to reveal any details about the nature of complaint made against Mr Forrest.

A spokesman for the Office for Judicial Complaints said: "Mr Forrest has been suspended by the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice from his duties as Coroner, pending the outcome of an investigation into a complaint made to the Office for Judicial Complaints. While the investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Mr Forrest failed to respond to the Post when he was offered the right to reply through the Office for Judicial Complaints.