Ann Campbell
PFD Report
All Responded
Ref: 2025-0535
All 1 response received
· Deadline: 18 Dec 2025
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56-Day Deadline
18 Dec 2025
All responses received
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Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.
Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Coroner’s Concerns
Information Classification: CONTROLLED
1) Access to the steps is difficult. In particular, someone who is about to descend the steps is not able to steady themselves by grasping a handrail because it is too low/does not extend up higher than is currently the case.
1) Access to the steps is difficult. In particular, someone who is about to descend the steps is not able to steady themselves by grasping a handrail because it is too low/does not extend up higher than is currently the case.
Responses
The landlord has already installed two signs warning of steep steps, applied a non-slip coating with sand for extra safety, and fully secured the existing handrail. They also plan to fit a grab rail on top of the wall 'ASAP' and complete lighting work within the next three weeks.
AI summary
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Dear Lucie, Thank you for the report regarding Anne Campbell - Deceased. Please advise Mr Andrew Cox of the following: Regarding the hand rail you mentioned, this is due to the wall height, however, I asked the contractor to look at this and it has been suggested by the contractor that a grab rail on the top of the wall would be the best way to sort this problem, this will be fitted ASAP. With regard to the lighting our electrician visited the flat on our behalf 4 weeks ago and work to supply lighting should be completed in the next 3 weeks. I would like to inform the coroner that at the time of purchase no signs were in place to advise steep steps, 2 signs were put in place very soon after the purchase. The steps were also cleaned and a coating of non slip substance which had sand in it used on yacht's was also done for extra safety. The handrail itself is now fully secured along the rail, again done when we took over. Please be assured that safety is a priority for our properties. If you are not in agreement for a grab rail to be fitted, would you kindly advise. Thank you.
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 1/10/25, I concluded the inquest into the death of Ann Campbell.
I recorded the cause of death as 1a) Skull fracture II) Alcohol intoxication
I recorded a conclusion of Accident
I recorded the cause of death as 1a) Skull fracture II) Alcohol intoxication
I recorded a conclusion of Accident
Circumstances of the Death
Ann lived in a basement flat at 11 Tolver Place Penzance Cornwall that is reached by using a set of steep, concrete steps. On 15/11/24, she was found deceased at the foot of the steps. At post-mortem, a skull fracture was identified and it is likely this was caused by Ann falling down the steps. It was also noted that she was likely to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The steps are narrow and appear poorly lit. There is a handrail on one wall but, for someone about to descend the steps, it is too low to grasp.
The steps are narrow and appear poorly lit. There is a handrail on one wall but, for someone about to descend the steps, it is too low to grasp.
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.