Family blasts authorities over Vera Croghan's death

Vera Croghan was killed almost four years ago, on December 11, 2020, in a blaze in her property in Unthank Road in Norwich.  

The fire was set by grandson, Chanatorn Croghan - known as Marco - who was aged 19 when he started the fire at the 89-year-old's home.

He was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act after he admitted to arson and manslaughter by diminished responsibility. 

In inquest into her death, which concluded this month, said Mrs Croghan’s death was "unlawful killing". 

Karin Ronen speaking after the inquest (Image: Newsquest) Speaking after the inquest, Mrs Croghan’s daughter Karin Ronen expressed their disappointment.

Along with two of her three brothers – Mike and James – she blasted area coroner, Yvonne Blake, saying the conclusion should have identified failings within Norfolk police, local mental health services, and adult social care. 

The family had asked the coroner to use her powers to write a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the relevant authorities, but the coroner said in this instance her powers to issue such a report had not been evoked. 

Ms Ronen, 63, a nurse from Norwich, said: “We believe our mum was failed by Norfolk’s care, mental health and police services before her homicide; and failed by the criminal and coronial systems after her death.  

Chanatorn Croghan (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) “We feel there has been no justice, and so many questions remain, in our opinion, deliberately unanswered. After waiting almost four years, we feel we have still not received the answers we deserve.  

“From the evidence heard at this inquest, it is clear to us there was no joined up working between the various authorities who dealt with our mum. As a result, there was no wider awareness of her situation or who should take responsibility in a crisis. 

“We believe there were multiple opportunities across the Adult Safeguarding Team, Mental Health Services and the police to identify risk, all of which were either ignored, dismissed or dealt with in isolation.  

Forensic officers at the property on Unthank Road, Norwich where Vera Croghan died (Image: Newsquest) “Mum’s case is an example of a systemic failure to reflect and learn from mistakes made. We are deeply disappointed that the coroner has not highlighted this within the conclusion.  

“What is needed is joined up thinking to prevent such tragedies, but this will never happen unless there is true accountability when things go wrong.”

She went on to say that most of those involved with the inquest process had “failed to express any form of compassion, concern, regret or even reflection has been extremely difficult and harrowing”.  

She added: “As a family we deserved answers, not excuses.  

“However, by restricting the scope of this process and refusing to call relevant witnesses, we feel our last chance to get to the truth - and ensure that real and effective learning takes place - has been denied us. 

“Mum was an elderly and gentle lady who had many vulnerabilities in her later years. She had contributed to society her whole life and instilled in us a keen sense of independence and an understanding of right and wrong. She deserved dignity in death. 

Vera Croghan “Instead, this final attempt to get some answers following the horrific death of our much-loved mum has left us all feeling disappointed and frustrated with the system.”

Mike Croghan said his mother’s death was “foreseeable and avoidable” and that she was left “isolated, ignored and invisible”.   

He added: “When will the services that are meant to protect the public ever learn to look at the whole picture?"