A CORONER whose backlog of inquests sparked a judicial review has apologised for the delays.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield escaped last month with a severe reprimand from the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, in a long-awaited report into his conduct.

Last year, Lord Falconer appointed circuit judge John Milford to investigate allegations that 74-year-old Mr Sheffield's cases were taking two years to complete.

Following the report, critics, including Redcar MP Vera Baird, renewed their calls for Mr Sheffield to resign from the post he has held for more than 30 years.

In the past, Mr Sheffield has blamed a lack of coroner's officers for the delay.

Now a solicitor acting for Mr Sheffield has released a statement, on his behalf, apologising for the delays.

It said: "Mr Sheffield concedes that the severe reprimand followed criticisms regarding the management of the resources made available.

"Additionally, Mr Sheffield also acknowledges that the Lord Chancellor found that he had not fully discharged his responsibilities in handling the growing backlog of inquest cases, and he apologises for any distress that the delays in completing inquests may have caused.

"Mr Sheffield has, and does, accept that, as Coroner for Teesside, he has ultimate responsibility for the delivery of the service on Teesside and with the backlog of cases now being brought under control, welcomes the opportunity to move forward with the continued delivery of the coronial service."