An inquest has heard that a 42-year-old Wigan father died in a fire at his home weeks after criminals allegedly took over his property, turning it into a “bomb site.” Mark Vernal became trapped in a blaze at his family home on Dumbarton Green on August 14, 2024, and died from his injuries in hospital.
The inquest into his death began at Bolton Coroners Court on Monday, November 2. Several members of Mark’s family attended, including his brother and sister, Michael and Sonia Vernal, along with representatives from Greater Manchester Police and Wigan Council.
Family claims 'cuckooing'
Michael and Sonia Vernal told the court they believed Mark was a victim of “cuckooing” in the lead-up to his death. Cuckooing is when criminals take control of a vulnerable person's home to use it for crime.
Michael said: “A lot of people take advantage of him that way. 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 Mark as “fantastic” before proclaiming: “nowt’ wrong with that lad, at all. He loved the world and he loved the people in it.” However, he told the court how Mark's drinking became “totally out of control in the Christmas before he died,” adding that this was “the same time he got invaded by a lot of hangers on” who “took advantage of him.”
Home described as 'bomb site'
Mr Heyes described the front yard of Mark’s home as resembling a “bomb site” around three to six months after “people started coming and going” to the property. He singled out a male and female couple with a large dog that he frequently saw at the home.
The court heard how the cleanliness of the home deteriorated, including dog faeces left for days in the front garden. Mr Heyes also recalled arguments between the couple and loud music coming from the house. He described entering the home once to find a ceiling missing, “dog muck, cans strewn across the floor and ashtrays dotted around the place.” He told the court: “If I had gone with a hammer, I couldn’t have done a better job than what it was.”
Mr Heyes said he had repeatedly sent emails to Wigan Council regarding the state of the house and Mark’s wellbeing, including one hours before the fire. 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.”
Vulnerability and health issues
Coroner Bronia Hartley also read evidence from Kim Foster, a close friend and neighbour, who said people would enter the home through a broken front window covered by plywood. She said she called police and Wigan Council multiple times, resulting in at least one visit by both services.
Mark was described as a “vulnerable” person diagnosed with “alcohol dependency,” asthma, depression, and anxiety. The court heard Mark would have multiple seizures believed to be triggered by epilepsy and stress. His drinking worsened following the death of his parents. Mark had been living with his parents since 2004 after a stint in jail, and became the sole tenant after a sibling moved out to a supported living facility.
Michael said: “He’s always been a bit of a drunk but when my mum died, that’s when he started drinking properly. I think that’s what blew his head off.” The court heard the family tried multiple times to alert the council and support services, but help failed to “materialise,” with Michael saying the family was often passed from “pillar to post.”
Questions over cause of fire
During the inquest, the question of whether Mark exhibited “risky behaviour” that could have led to the blaze was posed. Michael said: “I don’t think he started the fire,” and added he does not believe Mark started the blaze “intentionally.”
The court also heard of Mark’s several visits to A&E hospitals in the Wigan area and one instance in Blackpool, where he showed signs of lacerations and bruising. Sonia Vernal said Mark would claim he had fallen or been “mugged by a stranger,” but she did not believe his explanation. She said: “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 also told of instances where people who had begun living with Mark would change the keys and return after the family had “kicked them out.” Evidence from Natasha Gibson, a long-time friend, was also read, recalling that someone had “taken over the property” and describing the house as “disgusting.” She noted Mark’s appearance became “really scruffy,” and recalled seeing him with blood and bruising on his face, not believing his claim of having “fallen down the stairs.”
Coroner Hartley also read a witness statement from Brian Cooper, a friend of Michael Marsh, recounting movements between Sunday August 11 and Friday August 16. She said neither Mr Cooper nor Mr Marsh attended Mark’s home during those days. Proceedings continue.
