The Isle of Man is divided into six administrative districts, called sheadings. The six sheadings are Ayre, Glenfaba, Garff, Michael, Rushen and Middle. Each sheading has a coroner. This office must not be confused with the Coroner of Inquests, a role fulfilled by the High Bailiff or the Deputy High Bailiff.
The term 'sheading' is thought to be a Norse word for 'ship division' and each district was believed to be responsible for producing a certain number of warships.
There are currently 4 coroners:
- sheadings of Ayre & Garff - Gareth Leece
- sheadings of Glenfaba & Michael - Stuart Gardner
- sheading of Middle - Kelly Sloane
- sheading of Rushen - Mark Wrigley
The main functions of the coroners are:
- summonsing of jurors;
- service of process and other documents; and
- enforcement of executions in respect of court judgments.
Coroners are assisted in their duties by Lockmen.
Contact details for the coroners
Coroner for Ayre & Garff
Mr. Gareth Leece
Town Hall
Parliament Square
Ramsey
Isle of Man
IM8 1RT
(Office hours: 10am to 12:30pm Monday to Friday)
Telephone - +44 (0) 1624 815899
email: ramseycoroner@gmail.com
Coroner for Glenfaba and Michael
Mr. Stuart Gardner
13 Douglas Street
Peel
Isle of Man
IM5 1BA
Telephone and Fax - +44 (0) 1624 845711
email: glenfabacoroner@manx.net
Coroner for Middle
Ms. Kelly Sloane
Coroners Office
Ground Floor
Removal House
39 Finch Road
Douglas
IM1 2PW
Telephone - +44 (0) 1624 622280
Fax - +44 (0) 1624 612130
email: coroner@coronerofmiddle.com
Coroner for Rushen
Mr. Mark Wrigley
10 Bridge Street
Castletown
Isle of Man
IM9 1AX
Telephone - +44 (0) 1624 822871
email: mail@rushen-coroner.co.uk
Code of Conduct and Complaints, Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures for Coroners
Coroners hold public office, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor under the Customary Laws Act 1422 and are ultimately accountable to the Governor for their conduct and activities. Coroners have over the years undertaken their roles with diligence, mindful of the significance of this ancient position. Nevertheless the role of Coroner has changed significantly from its beginnings and continues to evolve and, in this twenty-first century context it is appropriate to introduce a written Code of Conduct to provide a framework that clearly sets out for Coroners and for those who use the services of the Coroners the standards that are reasonably to be expected when a Coroner carries out their duties.
To support the publication of the Code of Conduct, any investigation relating to a complaint, disciplinary or grievance matter will be carried out in accordance with published procedures.