Investigation and inquest
On 30th December 2020 an investigation was opened into the death of Barry Martin.
On 25th February 2021 an inquest was opened into the death of Barry Martin who died at ████████ Hyde SK14 3EG aged 59 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest which I heard on 15th June 2021. Following a post mortem examination conducted on 30th December 2020 the medical cause of death was confirmed as:
1 (a) Acute left ventricular failure
(b) Coronary atherosclerosis with superimposed acute pneumonia
By way of conclusion, I recorded a narrative conclusion of Natural Causes contributed to by self-neglect.
Circumstances of the death
Barry Martin had recent history of self-neglect, depression and heavy alcohol consumption. After concerns were raised for his welfare, Greater Manchester Police attended the properly and forced entry of ████████ on 10th December 2020. He confirmed he was dependant but had no intent to self-harm. The front door through which the police had entered the property was subsequently boarded up. Whilst it is possible there were no other exit routes through external doors he could have climbed through a window.
Following further concerns raised by his family, Greater Manchester Police attended ████████ again on 24th December 2020 and found Mr Martin deceased. He died from acute heart failure precipitated by an acute pneumonia and bronchitis on a background of moderate coronary artery disease and physical frailty. He had neglected himself and had not been eating properly.
Coroner’s concerns
After concerns were raised for his welfare, Mr Martin’s front door to his house was boarded up following a forced entry by Greater Manchester Police on 10th December 2020. There were no other exit routes from the property as there was no key available to Mr Martin to be able to use the rear door being the only other door.
I am concerned that if occupied houses have to be boarded up that proper checks are made that there are other alternative safe exit routes for residents.