A WIDOW, whose husband died almost nine years after he was crippled in a work's accident, has lashed out at her former husband's company.

Mary Ellen McCabe slammed the Blackburn building firm Waddingtons for failing to take proper safety measures, at the inquest on her husband John.

Former roofer John Patrick McCabe lost the use of both his legs after falling from a roof in 1987. He died in hospital last September at the age of 74 from a stomach condition caused by his injuries.

Mr McCabe, who lived in Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, was working for the Cherry Tree company Waddingtons when he fell 20 feet from a roof and severed his spinal column.

A health and safety investigation was carried out and witnesses told how no safety scaffolding was used on the roof.

Mrs McCabe spent most of her time caring for her husband, who won a civil claim for £100,000 following the accident.

Mr McCabe, who suffered from pressure sores, also constantly complained of stomach aches. He was eventually taken to a care home, and died the day after he was admitted to hospital suffering from sickness.

A post-mortem examination later revealed his digestive system had been affected by his back injuries and had stopped working properly.

A statement from Mrs McCabe was read out at a jury inquest held at Accrington town hall.

She said her husband was a very fit and healthy man until the accident.

"John was in intensive care at Blackburn Royal Infirmary and he stayed there for over a month," she said.

"He was later taken to a hospital in Southport where he was told he had damaged his spine and he would never walk again.

"He was later sent home from hospital."

Mrs McCabe, who now lives in Clayton Street, Great Harwood, added: "Things were very difficult for John and he never properly came to terms with what happened to him.

"John said it was standard practice on small jobs not to erect scaffolding and he had complained to the company on several occasions.

"He also said if there had been scaffolding at the house then he would not have ended up in a wheelchair.

"What happened to John devastated my family and myself. I still feel what happened could have been averted and John would still be here with us today.

"I still feel very bitter that no scaffolding was used."

Blackburn and Hyndburn coroner Andre Rebello said: "Things have not been easy for Mr McCabe or for yourself and your family. "I think you are a very courageous woman and you have my highest admiration."

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

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