Longest serving coroner retires (From Milford Mercury)

Longest serving coroner retires

10:30am Thursday 26th November 2009

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Pembrokeshire Coroner Michael Howells, Wales’ longest serving coroner, is to retire on December 31.

Mr Howells was appointed coroner for what was then the Pembrokeshire District of Dyfed in December 1980. When he finishes, he will have completed 29 years service.

Well-known Pembrokeshire solicitor and current deputy coroner, Mark Layton, will take over the role in the new year.

Mr Howells, based in Milford Haven, said: “I reached the age of 70 earlier this year and felt that it was an appropriate time for me to quit. The Pembrokeshire county council has agreed to let me resign and I am delighted that they have appointed another Pembrokeshire person, Mark Layton, to succeed me.”

Mr Howells was only the second person to have served as coroner for the whole of the county.

Until 1976, Pembrokeshire was divided into two coronial districts — a northern division where the late Llewellyn George was coroner; and the southern division, whose coroner was the late John F Johnson.

During his term, Mr Howells has presided over a number of high-profile inquests, including the Scoveston and coast path double murders and the Oakwood fall death.

Mr Layton, 47, is the founder of Haverfordwest solicitors Layton and Co, and is now employed at the firm as a consultant.

Educated at the former Milford Haven Grammar School, he studied law at Cardiff University.

Like his predecessor, he will be based in the Coroner’s Office in Milford Haven town hall.

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