Published: Thursday, 28th August, 2008 16:00
Smoking in bed caused caravan fire death
By Lucy Crossley
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A SMOKER whose caravan burnt down as he slept had been drinking heavily, an inquest has heard.
Ian Hotson, 54, of Berkeley Drive, Cranbourne Hall Park, Winkfield died last November when his mobile home caught fire after he had been smoking in bed.
An inquest at Windsor Guildhall today (Thursday) heard how Mr Hotson was a heavy smoker and drinker and several vodka bottles and various smoking paraphernalia were discovered amongst the burnt out wreckage of his home.
He had been drinking before his death and a toxicology report revealed a blood alcohol level of 494mg/100ml - more than six times the drink driving limit - and it was unlikely the fire would have woken him.
Reading from a statement made by fire investigator Mark Green Berkshire Coroner Peter Bedford said: “Under the influence of alcohol he fell asleep on the bed whilst smoking a cigarette which set fire to the bed.
Mr Bedford recorded a verdict of accidental death.
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