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.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
