Open verdict on widow who died on rail tracks in Bromborough

Apr 22 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Bromborough and Bebington News

AN open verdict has been recorded on the death of a widow hit by a train near Bromborough station in December last year.

An inquest heard how Sheila Allington, 71, had been picked up from Walton Neurological Centre by her sister, Carol Renilson, after undergoing tests on December 15.

The devout Catholic who had suffered Motor Neurone Disease for 12 months, was taken home to Dawpool Drive, Bromborough, later that day and waved goodbye to her sister for the last time.

At 5.05pm that evening she was pronounced dead after her body was found lying between the running rails of the Liverpool-bound tracks at Bromborough railway station.

A report read by Coroner’s officer Donald Johnson said: “When Carol left her sister’s at around 4pm it is reported that Sheila appeared to be her normal self.

“They hugged and kissed as per normal and waved goodbye.”

Sheila, who had a history of mental illness, left her home at around the same time and was later seen on CCTV entering the Liverpool bound platform via Bromborough station footbridge, before turning and walking back along the platform towards the footbridge.

She then disappeared from the camera’s view under Allport Road, road bridge.

At 4.53pm Robert Wynne drove an empty Hooton to Liverpool train, Moorfields, past the station, at a speed of 50- 55mph, but said he did not see anybody on the railway tracks.

At 4.59pm, Joseph McKinley, driving the Ellesmere Port to Liverpool train, saw a body lying on the tracks and pulled into the Bromborough platform.

He informed the control centre and Sheila’s body was recovered.

She died of massive skull injuries due to being hit by a moving train.

Carol had rang her sister, who was expecting a visit from nurses, at 8pm and then again at 9pm but got no answer.

She went back to see her but found the house empty and was later informed of her death by British Transport Police who had Sheila’s watch and house keys.

Carol said: “Sheila was a very kind, quiet, lovely girl who lost her husband Sydney almost a year ago.

“She spent her life in the Catholic church.”

Wirral coroner Christopher Johnson recorded an open verdict.