Christine Hughes Death – An inquiry into the deaths of two elderly sisters in Sheffield revealed that the exact cause of death could not be determined. Ann and Christine Hughes, aged 86 and 90 respectively, were discovered deceased in their home on Club Garden Road, Highfield, by Sheffield City Council staff on May 12 of the previous year. The joint inquest, held at the Medico Legal-Centre on April 12, disclosed that the sisters were found in the living room after the council had forcibly entered the premises to evict the tenants for owing £1,200 in rent arrears. It was noted that the gas and electricity had been disconnected.
During the inquest, it was revealed that both sisters were in a state of decomposition. Assistant coroner Alexandra Pountney suggested that they likely passed away in November 2022, as this was the last time rent had been paid. However, an exact date of death could not be determined. The court heard a post-mortem examination report stating that the sisters were found dressed in multiple layers of clothing, and the presence of used tissues indicated an upper respiratory issue.
Although Ann, a retired shop assistant, and Christine, a retired nurse, both displayed signs of a lung infection, the pathologist stated that their cause of death was “complex” and could be attributed to factors such as age, frailty, underlying medical conditions, or challenging social circumstances. Consequently, their medical causes of death were classified as ‘unascertained’.
Ms. Pountney mentioned that she had considered the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, but the toxicology report provided no evidence to support this theory. Furthermore, the police confirmed that the boiler, which had been disconnected, was found to be functioning correctly.
During her testimony, Police Constable Alison Healey stated that South Yorkshire Police were notified by the council on the morning the sisters were discovered deceased. The criminal investigation department found no suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths.
PC Healey remarked, “Based on their initial appearance, it seemed like they had some form of infection. They were appropriately dressed, and their passing may have been influenced by the temperature during that time of year.”
Ian, the sisters’ nephew, informed the court that a letter from the council addressed to them was presented as evidence
