coroner: . . . need to speak aloud for the tape, Laura, rather than just shaking your head.
laura: No.
coroner: Did he eat adequately, as far as you’re aware?
laura: Yeah. He at
e loads.
coroner: Did he cook for himself?
laura: No, he got stuff from the garage, sandwiches and crisps and whatever. Or he got takeaway stuff, chips and pizzas, curries, stuff like that. People got it for him.
coroner: People bought him food?
laura: Sometimes, or he gave them the money. It was like in return for letting them use the flat.
coroner: He gave people money to buy him food?
laura: Yeah.
coroner: They didn’t steal it, or take advantage somehow?
laura: Sometimes. But if they did they never came back.
coroner: It sounds as though your father had sufficient money for his needs.
laura: Yeah. He had a few things going on. (Interruption to proceedings. Late arrival of member of public.)
court usher: This is Mr Mike Crossley, ma’am.
coroner: Thank you. If you could take your place, Mr Crossley. Thank you. Now, if we can continue, Laura. Was your father often alone in the flat?
laura: No. Hardly ever. There was always people around. He liked having people around.
coroner: And who were these people? Was it always the same group of people?
laura: (inaudible)
coroner: I’m sorry, could you repeat that?
laura: Thing is like, I’m not being funny or nothing but I’ve already said all this to the police. Haven’t you got their report or something? Can’t you just like refer to it and that?
coroner: Well, as I said before, this is a court of public record, and –
laura: Yeah, I know but –
coroner: And we do need to address all these facts in full before we can conclude the inquest. I’m happy to take a break if you’d like, however.
laura: No, it’s all right, whatever, carry on.
coroner: Thank you. So, when did you last see your father?
laura: Before Christmas. A few days before Christmas.
coroner: And this was the occasion on which you entered the flat by climbing up on to the garage roof and in through the kitchen window?
laura: Yeah.