Inquest hearing dates set for Sunderland mum Janice Woolford and son Michael

An inquest hearing date has been set for a Sunderland mother and son found dead in the home they shared together.
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The council chamber of Sunderland City Council's Civic Centre will host the final hearing of Janice and Michael Woolford on Wednesday, September 9.

It will be heard by assistant coroner Karin Welch and is due to begin at 10am.

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Police in Satley Gardens, Tunstall, following the death of Janice Woolford and her son Michael.Police in Satley Gardens, Tunstall, following the death of Janice Woolford and her son Michael.
Police in Satley Gardens, Tunstall, following the death of Janice Woolford and her son Michael.

Northumbria Police officers were called after reports of concern for a woman, with paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service pronouncing both dead at the scene.

The force later confirmed Ms Woolford had suffered injuries consistent with stabbing and said her son had not suffered any visible injuries, but it was believed he had taken a large quantity of drugs.

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Detectives went on to reassure residents they did not believe there was any wider risk to the community, with the details of its investigation to be passed on to the coroner once they had been completed.

The inquests were then opened on Tuesday, March 10, by assistant coroner David Place, starting with a short hearing for Ms Woolford, followed by another into the death of her son a few minutes later.

Both were adjourned while further details and more information from post mortem examinations were gathered ahead of the full hearing.

The sessions were told they had been found in the same room of the house where they lived after officers forced their way into the property, just off Essen Way.

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At the time of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, the senior investigating officer of the case, said: “This is a tragic case that has obviously had a devastating impact on Janice and Michael’s family.”

A range of coronavirus measures have been put in place by Sunderland’s Coroners’ Office, including a temperature check, a test and trace form and hand sanitizing for anyone who wishes to attend the hearing.

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