Coroner reopens investigation into tragic death of Blackpool woman killed by her grandson

Marlene McCabe, 71, was beaten to death by her grandson Conor Clarkson, 26, at her West Park Drive home on September 4 last year, just two months after she sent a letter to the NHS begging for help with his mental health.

At his sentencing at Preston Crown Court in May, the court heard how Clarkson had a history of unpredictable, violent behaviour and drug use.

In July last year police had to be called after Mrs McCabe and her daughter, Sharon Whitlow, were forced to flee their home because Clarkson had threatened them and claimed to be the devil and a vampire.

But despite Mrs McCabe's growing concerns that Clarkson was suffering from schizophrenia, a mental health nurse ruled immediate psychiatric intervention was not required and Clarkson was not examined further following a telephone assessment.

At Blackpool town hall yesterday, coroner Alan Wilson said an inquest would take place to examine the circumstances surrounding Mrs McCabe's death.

A domestic homicide review, which examines the death of a person as a result of violence, abuse or neglect by a family member or partner, will also take place, and is expected to conclude in September.

Arranging a pre-inquest hearing for November, and an inquest for January in the new year, Mr Wilson said: "As matters stand at present I need to see some additional evidence from the senior investigating police officer and also any additional information that might inform the inquest, as well as waiting for the domestic homicide review to be concluded.

"I don't know how long this inquest will take, but it will take us into the new year."

Conor Clarkson pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and was sentenced to indefinite detention in a medium-security hospital.