Colin Flatt: Footballer's daughter frustrated by inquest delay
'Reluctant' decision
Mr Flatt was described as "forever a Shrimper" in a tribute from the Southend United Ex-Players Association, which said that he scored eight goals in 24 appearances during the 1966-67 season.He also walked out at Wembley in the FA Trophy for Barnet in 1972, and played for other clubs including Romford.Mrs Taylor expressed her frustration as the inquest into her father's death was delayed for more than a year.Addressing the assistant coroner, she asked: "Is the jury going to make a difference? I don't know. Will the outcome be different to what you would have ruled? I don't know.""It was a delay which could have been avoided."Ms Harrington told Mrs Taylor, "I can only apologise", adding that her decision to adjourn had been a "reluctant" one.
Mr Flatt's partner of 20 years, Melanie Leahy, has been one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Lampard Inquiry into more than 2,000 mental health deaths in Essex between 2000 and 2023.In 2012, Ms Leahy's son Matthew, 20, died while he was under the care of NHS mental health services in the county.The inquest into Mr Flatt's death is set to resume on 17 August 2026.
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