A MAN who suffered from learning difficulties died after falling as he walked from a day centre to a bus stop, an inquest heard.

David Humphries, 57, suffered brain damage which eventually led to his death from broncho-pneumonia on March 18, the inquest was told.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded on David, who lived at the Brendon Hostel in Lapwing Grove, Runcorn.

His sister, Sandra Darnell, of Widnes, said David had a learning disability and attended a number of special schools

By the age of 26, he required 24-hour attention and was admitted to Newchurch Hospital, Culcheth, where he remained for 22 years.

But in 1992 the hospital closed and he was transferred to the hostel for people with learning difficulties at Runcorn.

His eyesight had deteriorated and, although he was issued with spectacles, he was constantly taking them off.

He also had problems with walking, particularly on stairs, and had fallen on several occasions, suffering minor head injuries.

He attended the Astmoor day care centre and on March 5 fell and injured his head while walking to the bus stop outside the centre.

Mrs Darnell said her brother was taken to Warrington Hospital but later transferred to Walton Hospital for surgery.

He was later taken back to Warrington where he died 13 days after the accident.

She did not wish to criticise the day centre but said she believed it would have been better if someone had been available to accompany clients to the bus stop.

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