Blazing car death verdict

Published on 3rd May 2007 in News

A former staff member at the Bowmans Hotel in Howden ended his life by setting fire to his car, an inquest at Hull Coroners' Court heard this week.

The body of Joseph Sheeran (43), of the Bowmans Hotel, Bridgegate, was found in the driver's seat of his Mitsubishi Charisma in Beverley on the evening of December 12.

Toxicology reports showed high levels of paracetamol and codeine in Mr Sheeran's blood but no alcohol.

The cause of death was given as burns.

The court heard that Mr Sheeran, who had a history of depression, left a note for his daughters in a bag of belongings that he gave to his sister-in-law on the day of his death.

Fire service investigators also found a lighter and the remains of a petrol can in the car.

Coroner Mr Geoffrey Saul said that on the basis of the evidence, he was satisfied that Mr Sheeran intended to take his own life.