Menu
19/10/2009
Omagh Fire Tragedy Inquest Begins
A shocking house fire that killed seven members of the same family is to be recalled tomorrow as around 30 witnesses are called to give evidence at the inquest.
Three days have been given over to the inquest into the deaths of Arthur McElhill, his partner Lorraine McGovern (29) and their children Caroline (13), Sean (seven), Bellina (four), Clodagh (19 months) and James, who was just nine months old.
The family died in the blaze at their Lammy Crescent home on November 13 2007.
A convicted sex offender deemed a "risk to older teenage girls" and with a history of mental health problems, 36-year-old McElhill is believed to have started the fire.
Coroner Suzanne Anderson will hold the inquest at Omagh courthouse and will hear from all those who played any part in the rescue or police operation following the tragedy.
Members of the extended McElhill and McGovern families are expected to give evidence, as well as anyone who had dealings with the victims in the days and weeks before the fatal blaze.
Each of the seven fatalities will be addressed separately before the coroner decides on the cause of death.
Death certificates will be issued when the proceedings have been completed.
An independent investigation has already been held into the failures of agencies involved in the care of the family.
It exposed "dangerous inconsistencies" in the management of social services staff and "poor professional standards".
Deficiencies in the communication between social services, the PSNI, probation and education services over McElhill's criminal offences were highlighted by review chairman, Henry Toner QC.
McElhill was first convicted of indecently assaulting a 17-year-old girl in March 1994.
He received a two-year jail term, which was suspended for three years. However, before the suspended sentence had expired McElhill sexually assaulted another 17-year-old in September 1996.
During the month before the fire, Caroline McElhill called the police about a row between her parents.
However, officers were told by Lorraine McGovern that the disagreement had been resolved and left without speaking to McElhill or the children.
See: Omagh Suspect Died In Blaze
(BMcC/KMcA)
Three days have been given over to the inquest into the deaths of Arthur McElhill, his partner Lorraine McGovern (29) and their children Caroline (13), Sean (seven), Bellina (four), Clodagh (19 months) and James, who was just nine months old.
The family died in the blaze at their Lammy Crescent home on November 13 2007.
A convicted sex offender deemed a "risk to older teenage girls" and with a history of mental health problems, 36-year-old McElhill is believed to have started the fire.
Coroner Suzanne Anderson will hold the inquest at Omagh courthouse and will hear from all those who played any part in the rescue or police operation following the tragedy.
Members of the extended McElhill and McGovern families are expected to give evidence, as well as anyone who had dealings with the victims in the days and weeks before the fatal blaze.
Each of the seven fatalities will be addressed separately before the coroner decides on the cause of death.
Death certificates will be issued when the proceedings have been completed.
An independent investigation has already been held into the failures of agencies involved in the care of the family.
It exposed "dangerous inconsistencies" in the management of social services staff and "poor professional standards".
Deficiencies in the communication between social services, the PSNI, probation and education services over McElhill's criminal offences were highlighted by review chairman, Henry Toner QC.
McElhill was first convicted of indecently assaulting a 17-year-old girl in March 1994.
He received a two-year jail term, which was suspended for three years. However, before the suspended sentence had expired McElhill sexually assaulted another 17-year-old in September 1996.
During the month before the fire, Caroline McElhill called the police about a row between her parents.
However, officers were told by Lorraine McGovern that the disagreement had been resolved and left without speaking to McElhill or the children.
See: Omagh Suspect Died In Blaze
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 December 2009
McElhill Started Horror Blaze
The man at the heart of a sordid sex scandal has been ruled as having killed himself and his family in a tragic house fire in Omagh. Coroner Suzanne Anderson said this morning that convicted sex offender Arthur McElhill burned the family's house down because his partner, Lorraine McGovern, threatened to leave him.
McElhill Started Horror Blaze
The man at the heart of a sordid sex scandal has been ruled as having killed himself and his family in a tragic house fire in Omagh. Coroner Suzanne Anderson said this morning that convicted sex offender Arthur McElhill burned the family's house down because his partner, Lorraine McGovern, threatened to leave him.
29 November 2007
Omagh Fire Victims Funerals This Saturday
The victims of the Omagh fire tragedy, which killed all seven members of the McElhill family, are to be buried on Saturday.
Omagh Fire Victims Funerals This Saturday
The victims of the Omagh fire tragedy, which killed all seven members of the McElhill family, are to be buried on Saturday.
03 December 2007
Omagh Fire Teen Bravery To Be Recognised
One of the youngest of the McElhill family killed last month in the horrific fire which cost the lives of all seven members had tried to call the emergency services just before the house went up in flames.
Omagh Fire Teen Bravery To Be Recognised
One of the youngest of the McElhill family killed last month in the horrific fire which cost the lives of all seven members had tried to call the emergency services just before the house went up in flames.
21 October 2009
Omagh Blaze Inquest Reveals Horrors
The shocking nature of a fire in which a whole family perished two years ago has been revealed. Several rasping breaths could be heard, shortly before a desperate telephone call from a blazing home to a 999 emergency call centre (such as that pictured) ended.
Omagh Blaze Inquest Reveals Horrors
The shocking nature of a fire in which a whole family perished two years ago has been revealed. Several rasping breaths could be heard, shortly before a desperate telephone call from a blazing home to a 999 emergency call centre (such as that pictured) ended.
26 November 2007
Burial Of Tragic Omagh Fire Victims Delayed
One of the most tragic stories to have yet emerged in Northern Ireland is getting a further twist as the families of the seven victims of the recent house fire in Omagh are now involved in a bitter dispute over where the bodies should be buried.
Burial Of Tragic Omagh Fire Victims Delayed
One of the most tragic stories to have yet emerged in Northern Ireland is getting a further twist as the families of the seven victims of the recent house fire in Omagh are now involved in a bitter dispute over where the bodies should be buried.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
