Northallerton-based Geoff Fell has been appointed to take over the duties of disgraced North Yorkshire coroner Jeremy Cave in the western district of the county.
He has previously been the deputy coroner but has been fulfilling all Cave's duties since was first arrested some two years ago.
Earlier this year Cave was jailed for three-and-a-half-years after being found guilt of swindling clients out of £155,000. He has since been struck off as a solicitor. Mr Fell will be responsible for all coroner matters in a district that takes in Richmondshire, Harrogate, Craven and Selby areas.
His duties will include looking into all unexpected or violent deaths and inquiring into any finds of treasure.
Mr Fell, a qualified solicitor for more than 15 years , said: "One of my aims will be to make the coroner more accessible and visible in the community."
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