This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
A new coroner for the Isle of Wight will start work in July.
Caroline Sumeray currently works as an assistant deputy coroner for Outer London North, Inner London North and Cheshire jurisdictions. She also works as a barrister in the capital.
Forty three year old Caroline will be officially ‘sworn in’ as the new coroner for the Isle of Wight at a ceremony in the first week of July. As part of the ceremony, she will make the necessary declaration in front of the Isle of Wight High Sherriff.
John Matthews retiring
She takes over from the current coroner John Matthews who is retiring after being in post on the Isle of Wight for almost two decades.
Looking forward to starting work on the Island, Caroline said; “I am thrilled and deeply honoured at the opportunity to take up the position of coroner for the Isle of Wight.
“I am very much looking forward to establishing a long and successful working relationship with everyone at the Coroner’s Court. I have had the benefit of much assistance from John Matthews, the retiring coroner, who has made me feel very welcome.”
Panel impressed by Caroline
Councillor David Williams sat on the panel which made the appointment as he was chairman of the council at the time. He said “The panel were very impressed by Caroline during the selection process and we are delighted she has accepted the offer to become the new coroner for the Isle of Wight.
“This is a very important role and we look forward to Caroline starting work in July. I also want to thank John Matthews who is retiring. John is a very hard working and dedicated coroner and I know he is leaving his role in good hands.”
“Pay tribute to my officers”
John Matthews, who has been the Isle of Wight coroner for 18 years wished Caroline well. He said; “I have been greatly privileged to have served the Isle of Wight community in the role of Her Majesty’s coroner since 1994. I pay tribute to my officers both past and present, my secretarial staff and my volunteers who have given me loyal and devoted service throughout that time.
“There are many people I wish to thank, including my deputy coroner Keith Verrinder and my assistant deputy coroners Dr Charles Mobbs, the late Richard Henshaw and Hugh Callaway for their support throughout my term of office.
“I also want to thank the many police officers with whom I have been associated and all the various Island agencies with whom the coronial service are involved.
“I am particularly pleased that the Island has a new coroner and express to my successor, Caroline Sumeray, all best wishes in her new position.”
