A Teessider struggled with PTSD and alcoholism after a violent attacker sliced off his nose with a shovel, an inquest heard.

Albert Gill, 57, died at his home on Phoenix Park, Hemlington, on January 20 after a long battle with alcoholism and his mental health. The inquest into his death took place at Teesside Coroner's Court on Tuesday and heard how he suffered horrendous injuries in an attack 10 years ago.

Teesside Live reported on the attack in June 2013. Mr Gill had his nose re-attached and his face rebuilt by plastic surgeons after the incident in Deepdale Avenue, Grove Hill. The assault erupted after a minor row over a lost phone and attacker Brian Keogh was later handed a 14-year prison sentence.

Giving details of Mr Gill's death, senior coroner for Teesside Clare Bailey said Cleveland Police were called to his home following safety concerns and found him unresponsive on his couch. On arrival they were met by a family member who told police how Mr Gill had been the victim of an attack which required reconstructive surgery.

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Ms Bailey said: "She referred the police officer to the fact that previously he was a victim where he had been attacked by a shovel and required reconstructive surgery on his face. This was reportedly the catalyst for his poor mental health."

A statement from Mr Gill's GP revealed in December 2020 there were concerns for his wellbeing. He was reportedly offered counselling services but did not want to engage and said he was only drinking a moderate amount.

The inquest heard police were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement and a post mortem took place at James Cook University Hospital on January 24.

Toxicology tests found there was a very low level of alcohol in Mr Gill's system and a therapeutic level of medication. His cause of death was established as pulmonary collapse and bronchopneumonia.

Ms Bailey told the family: "We can see there was an injury that has resulted in the pulmonary collapse and bronchopneumonia. The doctor says that it's likely to have been trivial in nature and most likely as a result or exacerbated by the fact he was an alcoholic.

"It's likely the injury he sustained was as a result of maybe tripping or falling or banging into something whilst under the influence of alcohol."

Recording a narrative verdict, Coroner Bailey said: "He was found deceased at his home on the 20th of January 2022. He had sustained an injury from which he died. It is unknown how he sustained the injury but there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and no evidence of third party involvement."

  • Anyone struggling with their mental health can call the Samaritans free of charge 24 hours a day on 116 123. Alternatively they can visit https://www.samaritans.org.

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