A 60-YEAR-old man died after choking on a pasty at Llanarth Mental Hospital, an inquest heard last Thursday (23rd January).

Brian Evans, from Cardiff, died in December 2012 at the hospital after thrusting the pasty whole into his mouth and attempting to swallow it.

The jury heard how Mr Evans was being transported to the hospital's intensive unit after a stay in Nevill Hall hospital on 27th December, and was passed the item of food by a fellow patient while in his wheelchair.

Mr Evans reportedly put the pasty in his mouth before staff could act.

Witness Daniel Harris, who was working at the hospital at the time and was wheeling the patient, said: "Brian wasn't on solids at the time and wouldn't have been given a pasty to eat.

"We got some out, and I gave him the Heimlich maneuver, but there was still some food in his throat."

A jury heard how Mr Evans had been "not at all compliant", and had been aggressive towards staff as they attempted to administer first aid.

An ambulance was called and Mr Evans was rushed back to Nevill Hall Hospital, where he was unable to breathe unaided.

He was pronounced dead on 29th December.

Mr Evans was admitted to Llanarth Mental Hospital in 2009, suffering from chronic schizophrenia.

A report described how Mr Evans' behaviour had deteriorated in recent months, as he "antagonised" other patients and "invaded their personal space".

The coroner's court also heard how Mr Evans had been suffering from regular chest infections in the months leading up to his death, as well as weight loss, profuse sweating and some pain. Staff claim that he refused treatment and was aggressive towards hospital staff.

Summing up, coroner David Bowen said: "It is almost impossible to prevent sudden and impulsive actions from people. Long gone are the days of restrictive straight jackets.

"There is no evidence he did this with the intention of choking."

The jury recorded a verdict of accidental death.