CONCERNS at the length of time taken to hold inquests at a North-East coroner's court have been aired on national radio.
An investigation on BBC Radio Five Live highlighted problems with coroner's courts across the UK.
Among those featured was Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield, who has served for more than 30 years.
The show heard from David Pinkney, who endured a two-year wait for an inquest into his parents' death.
His mother and father, Kathleen and Edmund, from Billingham, were killed in December 2000 when the car they were travelling in crossed the A19 into the path of another vehicle.
The inquest was heard in November 2002.
Mr Pinkney told the show: "It is important to have inquests held as soon as possible so you can begin to grieve properly."
Listeners also heard from Redcar MP Vera Baird, who has long demanded answers about why it takes so long to complete an inquest on Teesside.
Mr Sheffield has blamed the backlog on a shortage of staff to prepare files.
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