Dudley publican died from fumes from fire sparked by unattended food

Martine Higginson, 43, was found dead at her home in Wells Court, St John's Street, Netherton, on December 9 last year.

Members of her family had been unable to contact her during the day and, after arriving at the flat, eventually broke down the door to gain access.

Miss Higginson's sister, Peppa told the court her sibling had been found lying upside down with her feet in the air. She was propped against a wall near to a sofa.

"Members of the family had called her on the morning of December 9 but there had been no response," she said.

"My sister-in-law was given a spare key to go around to her apartment and check on her.

"She could not get in as the inside chain was still on."

After arriving at the flat herself, she had kicked the door open and entered the flat using her mobile phone for light.

"There was soot everywhere. It was so thick we left footprints."

She said her sister had been found in the living room. Paramedics were called but it was too late to save her.

Miss Higginson's mother Susan Aston told the inquest her daughter had been 'fun-loving and enjoyed life.'

A report by fire investigation officer Sean Tomkins said the evidence showed Miss Higginson's death had been 'a tragic accident'.

In the report, he said: "It seems she was preparing her evening meal and it is possible she fell asleep.

"Once awake she may have tried to escape the property before being overwhelmed by toxic fumes.

"She was soon overwhelmed and was rendered unconscious in the early stages of the fire."

Miss Higginson's family said they were concerned a smoke alarm in the hallway of the flat had failed to go off.

But the inquest was told when tested by fire investigators the alarm was found to be working.

There was also no evidence of an electrical fault at the property.

Senior Black Country coroner Mr Zafar Siddique also read out a post mortem report.

He said toxicology sample had revealed Miss Higginson had been nearly twice the legal alcohol driving limit at the time of her death.

She had also inhaled soot and carbon monoxide.

The medical cause of death was respiratory injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning. She was found to have no burns on any part of her body.

Mr Siddique gave a conclusion of accidental death at the end of the hearing.

"There was soot around her mouth and evidence of soot in her lungs and windpipe," he said.

"There was also evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning."

Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Aston said: "We expected this to be the conclusion the coroner reached.

"However we still have questions regarding why the alarm did not go off. We have asked neighbours in the building and they did not hear anything.

"Obviously if the alarm had gone off, my daughter could have gotten help sooner and we may not have lost her."

She said the family would see if they could take their questions further.

Miss Higginson ran the Yew Tree Pub in the town for a time.