BARRISTER Katy Skerrett is to take over as Gloucestershire coroner in the wake of the dismissal and jailing of Alan Crickmore.

Mrs Skerrett has been an assistant coroner for the county for three years and has conducted many inquests in the absence of Crickmore, who was jailed for eight years in November after admitting a £2 million fraud at his Cheltenham solicitor’s practice.

Mrs Skerrett, who has also worked as a deputy district judge, will take up her new post on a date to be confirmed.

Since the arrest and suspension of Crickmore more than two years ago Mrs Skerrett has been one of several assistant coroners who have conducted inquests under the leadership of deputy coroner David Dooley.

It is understood Mr Dooley, a well known Gloucestershire solicitor, did not seek the coroner’s position.

Sally Bye, head of registration and coroner services for the county, said: “I’m looking forward to working with Mrs Skerrett.

“She will provide leadership and a forward-thinking approach to the coroner services.”