Pensioner's death was accidental inquest hears (From Warrington Guardian)

Pensioner's death was accidental inquest hears

"I JUST hope he didn't suffer," a tearful daughter told an inquest.

"I just don't want to think of him lying awake waiting for someone to come and help him."

Ruth Holland was speaking at Thursday's inquest into the death of her father George Downward.

She found him lying at the bottom of the stairs of his home in Picton Avenue, Runcorn.

Mr Downward, 81, a widow and well-known former publican and bricklayer, had fell to his death.

After he was discovered on the night of September 7, a post mortem found he died of head injuries including severe fractures to his skull.

Mr Downward suffered breathing problems and dizzy spells but it was unclear how he fell.

"It could have just been a pure slip," said assistant coroner Dr Janet Napier.

He had suffered a massive blow to the head, Dr Napier added: "I think he would have died instantly or almost certainly been unconscious."

At the end of the inquest Mrs Holland, an admin assistant, from Wicksten Drive, praised PC Ian McLoughlin for his 'brilliant' help after the accident.

Dr Napier recorded a verdict of accidental death and added: "It's nice to know he had a caring family and that he was enjoying his life despite his failing health."