Man dies from injuries

A NURSING home resident was found dying at the bottom of a flight of stairs moments after staff saw him leaning over the banister.John Penn was described as an inventor, artist and musician at his inquest which was held at Endeavour House, in Ipswich, on Tuesday .

A NURSING home resident was found dying at the bottom of a flight of stairs moments after staff saw him leaning over the banister.

John Penn was described as an inventor, artist and musician at his inquest which was held at Endeavour House, in Ipswich, on Tuesday .

Greater Suffolk coroner Peter Dean told those at the inquest that Mr Penn, 85, of Grove Court Nursing Home, Beech Way, Woodbridge, had become depressed in later years.

He said: “At 8.20am on February 9 2007 the shift leader at the home contacted the manager. Mr Penn had been out of bed leaning over the corridor as if to attract a member of staff. He complained he didn't feel well and she wanted to report it.

“At 8.30am a thump was heard. Mr Penn was found lying on his back at the bottom of the stairs, bleeding from his skull.”

Mr Penn died on February 14 2007 at Ipswich Hospital.

Mr Dean added: “It was not clear if it was a jump or if he fell. It was a 14ft fall and he died from pneumonia and scarring of the heart. It was a mixture of pre-existing disease and the injuries he received in the fall.”

A narrative conclusion was recorded of combined death.