A PENSIONER starved herself to death after apparently living in squalor for months, despite being in a warden monitored flat.

The body of Marjorie Birtwhistle, 79, was found lying under a filthy quilt on a settee in her flat, in Carey Close, Newport, Middlesbrough, on New Year's Eve last year. She weighed just over four stone.

A warden who entered the flat found the food in her kitchen covered in mould.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield yesterday ruled that the warden-controlled service had failed the widow.

Recording a verdict that she had died of pneumonia brought on as a result of starvation, he said: "I have to consider in cases like this whether there could have been system neglect. This could apply to whether a person is in some degree of care or observation and appropriate action could have been taken or not been taken.

"Marjorie Birtwhistle had got down to just over four stones and the state of the home indicated she was not looking after herself.

"But there is no apparent record of this ever having been referred by the mobile wardens to the Care Link co-ordinators so they could take further action or attempt to take further action.

"I appreciate that, had that happened, she could have refused to accept further help. But there is no record or indication that any such reference was made. That does seem to be system neglect."

Last night, social services chiefs said Mrs Birtwhistle had rejected all attempts to look after her.

Middlesbrough Council media manager Mike Clark said: "The sad but simple fact is that over a number of years wardens and social workers tried to help Mrs Birtwhistle many times, often going far beyond the normal call of service, to try to assist her.

"She was a very independent person and declined their help and our offers to involve members of her family in supporting her."

He added: "While we were clearly concerned about her and tried to give her support, we had to respect her wishes not to accept that support."

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