Date set for full inquest of West Midlands Fire Service Chief Officer Wayne Brown

West Midlands Fire Service
A fire chief's death at the focus of an investigation regarding his academic qualifications has an inquest date set

An inquest into the death of a fire chief at the centre of probe into his academic qualifications will take place without a jury in March next year.

A pre-inquest review at the Birmingham Coroner’s Court revealed that the full inquest on Wayne Brown, Chief Fire Officer of the West Midlands Fire Service, will feature a pen portrait tribute to the 54-year-old.

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The pre-inquest review, which took place on Tuesday, was attended in person by three family members, while others observed the proceedings via video-link. The police have stated that they do not consider Mr Brown’s death - he was discovered deceased at his residence on January 24 - to be suspicious.

As well as submission from barristers for the fire service and West Midlands Police, a lawyer representing a man facing criminal charges for allegedly harassing Mr Brown addressed the court.

Senior Coroner Louise Hunt received a brief statement from Mr Brown’s partner, who mentioned she had been in contact with him throughout January 23 and he had appeared “very, very low”.

Before adjourning the hearing until March 10, Mrs Hunt urged the media to carefully consider how to report the inquest details, given “the sensitive nature of this case”.

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The coroner, who stated the inquest would consider the circumstances, time, and cause of Mr Brown’s death, told the family members, “I understand this is an incredibly difficult process for you as a family.”

Prior to Mr Brown’s death, the West Midlands Fire Service issued a statement acknowledging that it was “aware of claims referencing our chief fire officer” and that formal inquiries and processes, in line with our fire authority's constitution, were underway concerning the issues raised.

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