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Boy 'smothered' before house fire Boy 'smothered' before house fire
(about 3 hours later)
A six-year-old boy found in a burned-out house was probably smothered before the fire took hold, an inquest heard.A six-year-old boy found in a burned-out house was probably smothered before the fire took hold, an inquest heard.
Charlie-Bob Townsend was found in his smoke-filled bedroom at his Somerset home in Long Ashton, North Somerset, on 24 March last year.Charlie-Bob Townsend was found in his smoke-filled bedroom at his Somerset home in Long Ashton, North Somerset, on 24 March last year.
His father Christopher Townsend, 51, was found hanged in a nearby garage. His father Christopher Townsend, 51, hanged himself in a nearby garage.
Pathologist Dr Hugh White told Avon Coroner's Court at Flax Bourton the most probable cause of Charlie-Bob's death was "smothering by a pillow".Pathologist Dr Hugh White told Avon Coroner's Court at Flax Bourton the most probable cause of Charlie-Bob's death was "smothering by a pillow".
'Smothering probable''Smothering probable'
Dr White said: "There was no soot stain on his tongue, inside of his mouth or his airways. The carbon monoxide level was normal.Dr White said: "There was no soot stain on his tongue, inside of his mouth or his airways. The carbon monoxide level was normal.
"It's therefore my opinion that this child was dead before the fire was started.""It's therefore my opinion that this child was dead before the fire was started."
He added: "There was no pathological evidence to confirm asphyxiation, but the most probable cause of death was smothering with a pillow."He added: "There was no pathological evidence to confirm asphyxiation, but the most probable cause of death was smothering with a pillow."
The pathologist concluded Mr Townsend's cause of death was hanging, and he had not been exposed to the fire.The pathologist concluded Mr Townsend's cause of death was hanging, and he had not been exposed to the fire.
Father 'devastated'Father 'devastated'
The inquest heard that Mr Townsend, a production set designer who had worked on Bristol-based BBC drama Casualty, was involved in an acrimonious custody battle with his wife of eight years, Paula. The inquest heard that Mr Townsend, a production set designer who had worked on Bristol-based BBC drama Casualty, was involved in an acrimonious custody battle with his wife of eight years, Paula Hay.
Statements from Mr Townsend's friends revealed he was "devastated" by the possibility of decreased access to Charlie-Bob and his stepson, Lewis.Statements from Mr Townsend's friends revealed he was "devastated" by the possibility of decreased access to Charlie-Bob and his stepson, Lewis.
Social worker Geraldine Thomas said she started working with the family a year before the deaths.Social worker Geraldine Thomas said she started working with the family a year before the deaths.
Christopher Townsend worked on BBC production CasualtyChristopher Townsend worked on BBC production Casualty
She said: "He was a frustrated man, I think he felt he was not being listened to." She said: "He was a frustrated man. I think he felt he was not being listened to."
But she never felt Mr Townsend was the type of person who would hurt either of the children, she added.But she never felt Mr Townsend was the type of person who would hurt either of the children, she added.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called at 0550 BST to reports of a fire.Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called at 0550 BST to reports of a fire.
Firefighter Steve Quinton discovered Mr Townsend in a garage next to the house.Firefighter Steve Quinton discovered Mr Townsend in a garage next to the house.
He said: "I placed my hand on to the right side of the door and looked into the garage.He said: "I placed my hand on to the right side of the door and looked into the garage.
"The garage was in darkness but there was some natural light. I looked in and did a double take as I saw a male hanging from the rafters.""The garage was in darkness but there was some natural light. I looked in and did a double take as I saw a male hanging from the rafters."
Forensic scientist David Scaysbrook concluded the fire was started by a naked flame in the cupboard beneath the stairs.Forensic scientist David Scaysbrook concluded the fire was started by a naked flame in the cupboard beneath the stairs.
The hearing continues. Avon coroner Terence Moore said he had considered a verdict of unlawful killing for Charlie-Bob's death, but rejected it due to lack of evidence.
He instead recorded an open verdict for Charlie-Bob's death, and a verdict of suicide for his father.
Charlie-Bob's mother Ms Hay said she felt let down by the verdict.
"I know in my heart of hearts that Charlie-Bob was smothered by his father.
"I wouldn't say I feel cheated. I know what Charlie-Bob went through that day. It's time to move on.
"There's not a day that goes by when we don't think about him. He will always be with us," she said.