A man died when he choked on a sausage roll when he gained access to a kitchen at the care home where he lived on the Powys border, an inquest has heard.

A hearing today (March 21) found Lee Mayall, 52, died after choking on food at High Trees Residential Home in Bishop's Castle after gaining access to a temporary kitchen on September 28 last year.

The court heard that Mr Mayall, who had learning difficulties, had previously had a history of choking on food when he tried to eat it quickly.

He had gained access to a kitchen at the home in Bull Lane with a member of staff, and had grabbed a sausage roll and stuffed it into his mouth. He started choking before the staff could help him.

Staff called for paramedics but they were unable to clear his airways, and he died shortly afterwards.

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Mr Mayall's family told the court that they were happy otherwise with the care that Lee had received at the home, where he had lived for several years.

Coroner John Ellery said the that a postmortem confirmed the death had been “asphyxia due to food obstruction”.

Mr Ellery also confirmed that the police said there had been no criminal wrongdoing but confirmed that the Care Quality Commission were investigating the incident and said the investigation was yet to be concluded.

Mr Ellery said that the investigation would not affect his ruling and ruled that it had been an accidental death.


What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

Reporting on inquests is one of the most difficult jobs faced by any journalist, but there are important reasons why local newspapers attend coroner’s court hearings and report on proceedings.

Here we will try and answer some of your questions about what will happen, what can be reported and why.