BURY Coroner Simon Nelson is at the centre of an investigation by the Law Society.

And the father of three told the Bury Times that he is relieved the probe into financial irregularities at his law firm in Salford is now out in the open.

The Law Society's regulatory arm, the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors, last Tuesday "intervened" in the running of Casson and Co solicitors. Mr Nelson was a partner with Mr Ian David Rawson, of Crumpsall. Both must now face a disciplinary tribunal, expected to take place next year.

Law Society spokesman Mr Geoff Negus said: "When we intervened, in effect, we shut the firm down. Mr Rawson will work as a solicitor, but in a different firm and under supervision, and Mr Nelson will be able to continue in his role as coroner."

Mr Nelson (48), of Prestwich, said he would accept responsibility for naive accounting errors and would co-operate with the investigation.

He said: "There are a number of allegations concerning breaches of accountancy and I realised that I have to accept full responsibility for that. This situation is due to ignorance of accountancy and is nothing to do with dishonesty."

Mr Nelson became coroner for Bury, Rochdale and Oldham in September.