An inquest has been opened in Warrington into the death of 39-year-old Stephen Wells, who was reported missing by his family earlier this month.
Discovery and identification
Police located Mr Wells after finding his van and a note directing searchers to an empty property. Officers subsequently discovered the body in a first-floor bedroom of a house on St David’s Drive in Callands on 15 July. He was identified by his partner.
Coroner opens inquest, orders further work
The inquest was opened at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington on Wednesday. Coroner’s officer PC Chris Birchall asked that proceedings be opened because the cause of death was classed as unnatural. The hearing was then adjourned to allow further enquiries and an internal case review to be completed.
“I will formally open the inquest and adjourn for further work to be completed for an inquest on November 3.”
Victoria Davies, area coroner for Cheshire, set the date for a full inquest listing on 3 November and noted that an internal review will take place on 21 October. No further details about the cause of death were given at the opening hearing.
Local context and what happens next
Adjournment at an opening hearing is a standard coroner practice when further investigation is needed. The further work ordered may include post-mortem reports, toxicology, witness statements and any police or safeguarding reviews. The internal case review scheduled for October will be considered as part of preparations for the full inquest.
- Person involved: Stephen Wells, aged 39, of Grafton Street
- Location: First-floor bedroom, St David’s Drive, Callands
- Initial discovery: 15 July
- Full inquest listed: 3 November
- Internal review: 21 October
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Body located | 15 July |
| Inquest opened | Late July (opening hearing) |
| Internal case review | 21 October |
| Full inquest | 3 November |
Anyone in the community affected by this story and needing support is urged to contact national helplines. Samaritans can be reached free from any phone on 116 123. For people under 35 at risk of suicide, Papyrus operates HopelineUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07786 209697, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org; further information is available at papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/.
The coroner’s adjournment means more documents and evidence will be assembled before the full inquest. Any resident or organisation with information relevant to the case should contact Cheshire police or the coroner’s office in advance of the November hearing.
