A PENSIONER was found dead on the driveway of his South Cumbria home by a neighbour, an inquest heard.

Harry Randell, aged 78, lived at Adgarley Way in Dalton, and was a much loved father and grandfather.

Cockermouth Coroners’ Court heard a neighbour who lived opposite Mr Randell — formerly of Glenridding, Ullswater — on the residential road had been getting ready in her bedroom at around 9am on Monday, 8th July.

“She has noticed through the bedroom window that there is a male on his stomach in his driveway,” assistant Cumbria coroner Craig Smith noted as he formally opened an inquest into Mr Randell’s death.

“She has informed her husband. They have gone across towards the address and phoned paramedics.”

They advised her, before a crew arrived at the address, to make checks of the man and she saw blood around his head on the floor, the court heard. He was cold to the touch. Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9-09am

“The male was pronounced deceased at 9-17am,” said Mr Smith. “The paramedics found the male identified as Mr Randell, who was on his front with his arm lent against a gate.”

The coroner added: “Paramedics stated to the police that they believe that Mr Randell had died in the early hours of 8th July, 2024.

“Further enquiries will need to be carried out in respect of this matter to provide further information as part of the investigation.”

Mr Smith adjourned the hearing to a provisional date of 19th December.