Ann Campbell

I am Andrew Cox, the Senior Coroner for the coroner area of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

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

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.

During the course of these inquests, the evidence has revealed matters  giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty  to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. 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.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I  believe you [AND/OR your organisation] have the power to take such action.