Tributes to the respected former Northern Ireland coroner John Leckey, who has died aged 72

Tribute has been paid to Northern Ireland’s former senior coroner John Leckey, who has died.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Aug 2021, 06:21 BST
Updated 7th Aug 2021, 09:33 BST
Former senior coroner, John Leckey, who has died aged 72Former senior coroner, John Leckey, who has died aged 72
Former senior coroner, John Leckey, who has died aged 72

In a statement, the Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said he was “deeply saddened” by Mr Leckey’s passing.

The former coroner, 72, served for more than 30 years presiding over inquests.

He retired in October 2015.

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“John presided over a significant number of complex and contentious inquests during his time in office including the inquest into the Omagh bombing,” Sir Declan said.

“His courteous manner was respected by families and those who appeared before him.

“John’s book on Coroner’s Law and Practice in Northern Ireland was a much respected and valuable source for coroners and practitioners alike.

“He will be missed by his colleagues in the Judiciary and those who worked closely with him over the years in the Coroners Service.

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“I would like to extend our sympathy to his wife Janet and his sons Peter and Simon.”

SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly also paid tribute, saying: “His sensitive handling of inquests, including into the Omagh bombing, brought great comfort to families at a very trying and distressing time. His courteous manner during his career won him praise from many quarters.”

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