Fatal fire after drunk man fell asleep with cigarette

A man who died in his blazing mobile home had more than six times the legal drink-drive alcohol limit in his blood, when he fell asleep with a lit cigarette in his hand.

An inquest held yesterday revealed that Ian Hotson, 55, died from extensive burns after the blaze at his home in Berkley Drive, Cranbourne Hall, Winkfield on November 23 last year.

East Berkshire coroner Peter Bedford said the amount of alcohol in Mr Hotson's bloodsteam was enough to kill a man who was not drink dependent.

Recording a verdict of accidental death he said: "I think he was unconscious, dropped the cigarette he was holding.
"I don't think he would have heard a smoke alarm and he would not have suffered."

Mr Hotson was known to drink and smoke and was increasingly immobile following a car accident. He had been due to move out of his mobile home into sheltered accommodation.

Read the full story in the Windsor Express.