Investigation and inquest
On 1/10/25, I concluded the inquest into the death of Ann Campbell.
I recorded the cause of death as
1a) Skull fracture
II) Alcohol intoxication
I recorded a conclusion of Accident
Circumstances of the death
Ann lived in a basement flat at 11 Tolver Place Penzance Cornwall that is reached by using a set of steep, concrete steps. On 15/11/24, she was found deceased at the foot of the steps. At post-mortem, a skull fracture was identified and it is likely this was caused by Ann falling down the steps. It was also noted that she was likely to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The steps are narrow and appear poorly lit. There is a handrail on one wall but, for someone about to descend the steps, it is too low to grasp.
Coroner’s concerns
1) Access to the steps is difficult. In particular, someone who is about to descend the steps is not able to steady themselves by grasping a handrail because it is too low/does not extend up higher than is currently the case.