Top judge to meet victims' families over delayed inquests

It will be the first time Sir Declan Morgan has met such a large group of those bereaved by controversial killings and he will seek their views on how matters can be dealt with quickly.

He has asked Lord Justice Weir to conduct an intensive review of 56 long-delayed cases covering 95 deaths which are still in the coronial system.

Stalled inquests include killings carried out by paramilitaries and security forces – many involve claims of collusion or state wrongdoing. Some are being held for the first time or reheard after referrals by attorney general John Larkin QC.

Lord Justice Weir said: “Quite a lot of people feel that such a long period of time has elapsed without a decisive outcome that they would rather ... that they would like the matter to be brought to conclusion in their lifetimes.”

The Lord Chief Justice took over responsibility for the coroner’s service late last year.

Lord Justice Weir is assessing whether hearings will be held within the next two years or later, if at all.

He is also investigating whether full inquests will require a presiding high court judge, county court judge or a coroner.

A solicitor for the coroner said: “The Lord Chief Justice has invited all the families involved in the legacy cases to a meeting on February 12 where we will give them an opportunity to give their views on how best to ensure that all the cases are progressed as expeditiously as possible through the inquest system.”