Lorraine Dibble may not have intended to take own life, inquest hears (From This is The West Country)

Lorraine Dibble may not have intended to take own life, inquest hears

7:00am Friday 11th January 2013 in Somerset

AN INQUEST has heard that a popular Burnham woman found hanged at her home may not have meant to take her own life.

A hearing at Bridgwater Town Hall this week heard that mother-of-four Lorraine Dibble, 49, hanged herself at her home in Heal Close, Burnham, on June 10, 2012.

Ms Dibble had been a driving instructor for a number of years, was treasurer of Burnham United Football Club and was well known for her roles at Burnham District Pantomime Society and Aces Carnival Club.

The inquest heard how Ms Dibble was worried about mortgage payments and had expressed concerns that her partner, Allan Clough, had a drinking problem. Mr Clough denied this.

Evidence revealed she had also been having migraines, which had added to her worry.

Ms Dibble had threatened to take her own life a few years previously when she was found holding pills, which were taken from her.

Barbara Lukins, Ms Dibble’s mother, told the hearing: “We would have helped her if she had only come to us, if we had only known.

“We’re a close family and I can’t believe she really meant to kill herself.”

West Somerset Coroner Michael Rose said a toxicology report revealed no traces of drugs or alcohol in her blood.

After recording a verdict of death by asphyxiation (from hanging), he added: “Her mother feels Lorraine did not intend to take her own life. This may be correct. Hangings are normally done in a private place.

“On the balance of probabilities she was trying to frighten Mr Clough or gain attention and things sadly went wrong. The action brought her death.

“This is a tragic matter and there are many lessons to be learned.”