Inquest: Grandfather dead under burning furniture (From News Shopper)

Inquest: Grandfather dead under burning furniture

4:52pm Thursday 3rd April 2008

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A GRANDFATHER was repeatedly stamped on as he died in his own flat, an inquest heard.

Retired floorlayer Norman Hawkins, 59, was found dead under a burning pile of furniture in a studio flat in Croxley Green, St Paul's Cray, on June 9 last year.

Police also found the body of 21-year-old Lee Scamp.

The traveller had Mr Hawkins' ear and four watches in his pocket. He had Mr Hawkins' blood on his trainers and was found with eight unopened cans of beer.

Tests showed Mr Scamp was twice the drink-drive limit and had taken cannabis.

In separate inquests at Croydon Coroner's Court today (Wednesday), coroner Dr Roy Palmer recorded a verdict of unlawful killing over the death of Mr Hawkins, who had throat cancer.

The inquest heard Mr Hawkins had died of "a severe blunt force" to the face and chest.

Stamping on his chest and back matched Mr Scamp's footwear.

His ear was bitten off, he had a fractured jaw and had a bite mark matching Mr Scamp's dental records on his shoulder.

Recording an open verdict on the death of Mr Scamp, who suffered from a learning disorder, Dr Palmer said: "Quite how the fire started and who started it is not clear.

"I have certainly not got evidence which makes me sure he was unlawfully killed.

"It is possible he was trying to escape the fire. Apart from that the evidence is ambiguous so the only verdict I can come to is an open one."

Mr Scamp, of Tilbury Close, St Paul's Cray, died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

His aunt, who attended the inquest and asked not to be named, said: "We believe there was another man present when all this happened and Lee was set up."

However, a police source said: "We believe Mr Scamp was overcome by fumes after he went back to steal the beer."

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