The body of Rachel Chapman Ems, a legal assistant at Leathes Prior solicitors, was found at her home in Pulham Market last July.

Her death is being investigated by a coroner and a pre-inquest review this week heard an update on how that was going.

The hearing was told the the 53-year-old held a shotgun licence and the firearm had been purchased for clay pigeon shooting, a hobby she shared with her father.

Simon Milburn, the assistant coroner, explained the hearing was to determine what evidence will be required for the full inquest and whether further information is needed.

He also confirmed the status of “interested persons" - those formally recognised as having a role or close connection to the circumstances surrounding the death.

Present in court were Ms Ems’ father, Michael Ems, and sister, Joanna Ems, along with her former husband, while a former partner attended remotely.

During the hearing, family members raised concerns about whether medical and licensing systems adequately share information when someone holding a firearms certificate is prescribed antidepressants linked to suicidal behaviour.

Ms Ems - a mother to three children, including 16-year-old twins and a son aged 21 - had been prescribed fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, by her GP at Church Hill Surgery in Diss.

Church Hill Surgery in Diss (Image: Google)

Her sister told the court the medication carries warnings about a number of side effects, including possible "suicidal behaviour".

“They should be advised to surrender a gun when taking such medication,” she said.

“If Rachel had known that the medication she was taking had a known side effect of suicidal behaviour, she would have given her gun to my dad to look after."

The court heard that when a firearms licence application is made, a marker is normally placed on a patient’s GP record. In usual circumstances, police also notify the GP if the licence is granted.

However, the GP surgery said no confirmation letter had been received confirming Ms Ems’ licence had been issued and there was no evidence available to show such a letter had been sent.

Jonathan Metzer, representing her GP, questioned whether any action would have been taken even if the surgery had been aware of the licence, given Ms Ems’ presentation at the time which was said not to have been concerning.

Mr Milburn said the inquest would examine Ms Ems’ mental health in the period leading up to her death, including whether knowledge of the shotgun she had at home would have altered decisions or outcomes.

The coroner confirmed he would seek a further statement from firearms officers, including whether national procedures require confirmation that medical notification letters have been received, and whether improvements to the system may be necessary in light of her death.

Ms Ems’ former husband told the court the family were not seeking to blame individuals but hoped procedures could be reviewed.

“There must be a better way when considering shotgun licences for people with a history of mental health,” he said.

Her father told the court her death had come without warning.

“If we didn’t see her every day, she phoned every day. There was no suggestion she was disturbed. There was nothing seriously wrong with her mental health,” he said.

The coroner noted this appeared consistent with GP records from a consultation shortly before her death, during which no immediate concerns were recorded and her fluoxetine dosage was increased to a dose she had previously taken without any adverse effects.

Relatives also raised questions about text messages submitted as evidence, saying they demonstrated Ms Ems’ awareness of her anxiety and her belief she would "feel better soon", as she had done previously during difficult times.

Mr Milburn said he would consider whether the inquest should engage Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which allows broader examination where there may have been systemic failings by public bodies in preventing a death.

Norfolk Coroners Court at County Hall in Norwich. (Image: Denise Bradley)

However, he indicated current information did not automatically require the inquest to be heard before a jury, which is typically reserved for deaths in custody or involving state detention or certain workplace incidents.

After the hearing, Ms Ems’ sister said her sibling had been making plans for the future and was excited that her dog was expecting puppies, saying: "This came out of the blue, she would not have wanted her life to end in this way."

She added that, had her sister been aware of the possible risks associated with the medication change, she strongly believed she would have removed the gun from her property.

"My sister wouldn't have wanted this. She had her usual life challenges, but no more so than anyone else," she said.

A date for the full inquest will be set once outstanding evidence has been obtained.

Leathes Prior, Norwich. where Rachel Chapman Emma worked as a legal assistant. (Image: Google)

Ms Ems had worked for Leathes Prior, one of Norfolk's largest legal firms, for three years.

She joined as a receptionist but months before her death she was promoted to legal secretary in the wills, trusts and probate team.

The company described her as a "ray of sunshine in our office... always sporting her trademark flowery dress and/or scarf".

© Eastern Daily Press