13 Mar Inquest into the death of Gemma Marjoram to be resumed

Gold Jennings represent the family of Gemma Marjoram who was killed by her husband, Michael Cowey, on 19 June 2020 at a disused hospital site near Norwich. Gemma was just 38 when she died leaving behind three children. Prior to her death, Gemma had been subjected to serious domestic abuse and extreme controlling and coercive behaviour perpetrated by her husband.  This abuse had been reported to police twice, in 2016 and January 2020, but neither report resulted in a prosecution. Gemma was trying to leave Cowey when she was murdered.

The inquest into Gemma’s death was suspended after Cowey received a life sentence for her murder in December 2020. After his conviction, Gemma’s family learned that she had been assessed by the police as being at high risk from Cowey before she was killed and that there may have been missed opportunities to prevent her death. Since learning this information, they have been doggedly seeking a resumption of the inquest so that there can be a full investigation into the circumstances of Gemma’s tragic death.

Cowey was a violent man and a known abuser having subjected several previous partners to very serious domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour over extended periods of time.

On 12 March 2025, the Area Coroner for Norfolk, Ms Yvonne Blake, confirmed that the inquest into Gemma’s death will be resumed. In her written judgment, the Coroner cited concerns around systemic failings of public agencies with responsibility for safeguarding Gemma. The inquest is to be Article 2 ECHR compliant and will be conducted with a jury.

Gemma’s family are represented by Matthew Gold and Robert Hamill of Gold Jennings and Anna Morris KC of Garden Court North Chambers.