Instructing
the jury last month, the coroner told them there were five verdicts open –
accidental death, death by misadventure, unlawful killing, an open verdict or a
narrative verdict.
An accidental death is returned when a sudden or unanticipated
occurrence leads to a death.
Similarly, death by misadventure is where something has happened
which appears to be an accident and leads to a death.
However, there is an additional feature of a risk that has
contributed in a significant way to the death.
Unlawful
killing is reserved for situations such as murder, infanticide, or manslaughter.
An open verdict means that the evidence does not fully or
clearly explain the cause and circumstances of death. It is most commonly used
when none of the other verdicts are appropriate.
A narrative conclusion sets out the facts surrounding the death
in more detail.
This longer explanation will include the jury’s conclusions on
the main issues arising surrounding circumstances of the death.