Coma man's inquest halted by new probe

Tony Swinburn, who suffered brain damage following a fracas at home in Balby in June 2000, died from pneumonia in December 2003 following surgery to insert a fresh feeding tube into his stomach because he could not swallow.

The 28-year-old's father alleges he was left lying in his own vomit after the procedure at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and the family's lawyer asked the Doncaster coroner, Stanley Hooper, to make further investigations.

Yesterday's resumed inquest heard police investigated the incident at his house in St Peter's Road but were never able to take a statement from Tony because of his condition.

His brain damage was caused by loss of oxygen because of a fit or a stroke during a row with his landlord, Malcolm Tetley.

Det Sgt Steve Palmer interviewed Mr Tetley and he admitted pushing Tony in the chest. "It was just a feeble push, it wasn't really hard," he said.

When he fell he appeared to be having a fit and Mr Tetley insisted he had to restrain him because he was in danger of hurting himself. Mr Tetley has never been charged in connection with the dispute.

After Tony was admitted to hospital a test on his urine showed he had taken amphetamines and cannabis and his girlfriend, Michelle Dale, gave evidence that he took the tablets to keep awake if he was working or fishing at night.

Toxicology expert Prof Robert Forrest gave evidence that amphetamine use could increase blood pressure and can be associated with strokes and bleeding around the brain.

Home Office pathologist Dr Philip Lumb carried out a post-mortem examination. He said he could not exclude the possibility that the pushes to Tony's chest had caused his death but would be surprised.

He also said the amphetamine use may have triggered the brain damage.

After Dr Lumb was cross-examined by Nigel Walshe, acting for the dead man's father, Gary Swinburn, about the effects of aspirated vomit the coroner adjourned proceedings to investigate his treatment just before he died.