Pensioner ‘died in fire caused by cigarette’
Spinster Patricia Agnew, 65, was found dead at the house where she lived alone in Bangor, Co Down.
The hearing into her death in August 2002 was told how she was a proudly independent woman who spurned all offers of help.
Fire chiefs and police officers who went to the Clandeboye Road property where the blaze broke out were stunned by the massive pile of litter that had built up.
Constable Nigel McGonigle told the inquest at Newtownards Coroner’s Court: “It appears Ms Agnew was some sort of eccentric who fiercely guarded her privacy.
“She was known to have been fond of a drink and a cigarette.” The victim’s half-sister, Eileen Lowry, revealed how the former seamstress lived alone following the death of her mother.
Although the pair had not spoken since a row four years previously, Mrs Lowry said she was well aware of her heavy drinking and smoking.
A senior Fire Service forensic scientist, Walter McCorkhill, who went to the house in the aftermath told how the mounds of paper, discarded food wrapping and clothing were so extensive there was no clear path between rooms.
Asked by Coroner for Greater Belfast John Leckey if it was a fire hazard, Mr McCorkhill replied: “It would have been overall.”
Ms Agnew, who had been in bed, died as a result of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.
From his assessment of the bedroom the forensic officer said: “I concluded the fire most likely started as the result of careless disposal of smoking materials.”
