A "MISHANDLED" or carelessly disposed cigarette led to a sick woman dying in a fire at her parents' flat, a coroner has ruled.
Martha Barham, 44, accidentally set fire to her bed at Brambridge House, near Eastleigh, in November last year.
Mrs Barham suffered from alcoholism and was the equivalent of being more than three times over the drink-drive limit when she died from smoke inhalation and burns.
Recording a verdict of accidental death, deputy coroner for central Hampshire Simon Burge said Mrs Barham's family had done all they could to support her.
He added added that, due to the amount of alcohol consumed, Mrs Barham was probably barely conscious when the fire started.
For the full story see today's Daily Echo
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