The family of a man who died in a house fire in Wigan believe he was the victim of "cuckooing" in the months before his death, an inquest has heard.
Mark Vernal, 42, died in hospital after becoming trapped in a blaze at his family home on Dumbarton Green on August 14, 2024. Three men were initially arrested on suspicion of murder, but no charges were brought.
An inquest into the dad-of-two's death began at Bolton Coroner's Court on Monday. Several members of Mark's family, along with representatives from Greater Manchester Police and Wigan Council, attended the hearing.
Family's account of 'cuckooing'
Mark's brother and sister, Michael and Sonia Vernal, told the court they believed he had been a victim of "cuckooing" in the months leading up to his death. Cuckooing refers to the practice of criminals taking over a vulnerable person's home to use it for illegal activities, such as dealing or storing drugs.
"A lot of people take advantage of him that way," Michael said. "He was really vulnerable and a lot more when he was under the influence."
Geoff Heyes, a neighbour who had known Mark since childhood, described him as "fantastic", adding: "There was nowt' wrong with that lad, at all. He loved the world and he loved the people in it."
Neighbour's concerns about the property
Mr Heyes told the court that Mark's drinking had become "totally out of control in the Christmas before died". He added that this was "the same time he got invaded by a lot of hangers-on", who he said "took advantage of him".
Mr Heyes said the front yard had begun to resemble a "bomb site" around three to six months after "people started coming and going" from the property. He recalled entering the home to find a missing ceiling, "dog muck, cans strewn across the floor and ashtrays dotted around the place". "If I had gone with a hammer, I couldn't have done a better job than what it was," he added.
Mr Heyes told the court he had repeatedly emailed Wigan Council to raise concerns about the condition of the property and Mark's wellbeing. He said: "One of the last emails I sent was the Tuesday night before he died on Wednesday, and I said: 'If anything untoward happens to Mark it will be very serious.'"
Evidence from friend and family
Coroner Bronia Hartley also read evidence from Kim Foster, a close friend and neighbour of Mark's. She said people would enter the property through a broken front window, which had been covered with plywood. Ms Foster said she had contacted police and Wigan Council multiple times, resulting in at least one visit from each organisation. Mark's family said they had also tried to alert the council and support services, but added that help failed to "materialise".
Mark was described as a "vulnerable" person who had been diagnosed with alcohol dependency, asthma, depression and anxiety. The court also heard he suffered multiple seizures, believed to have been triggered by his epilepsy and stress.
The hearing also considered whether Mark had displayed any "risky behaviour" that could have led to the fire. Michael told the court: "I don't think he started the fire," before adding that he did not believe his brother had started the blaze "intentionally".
The court also heard that Mark had visited on several occasions A&E departments in Wigan and the surrounding area, as well as one visit to Blackpool. During some visits, he had visible lacerations and bruising to his face and body. Sonia told the coroner that when she asked Mark about his injuries, he would claim he had fallen or been "mugged by a stranger". However, she said she did not believe his explanations.
"It was clear as day that he'd been beaten up but would say that he'd fallen or been jumped by a stranger," Sonia said. The inquest continues.
