An elderly man died in hospital eight days after falling at his home and breaking his hip, an inquest heard.

Chelmsford Coroner's Court was told Lionel Brightwell, 92, of Hither Blakers, South Woodham Ferrers, fell on December 31 last year.

Mr Brightwell was taken to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, but stomach problems prevented surgeons from operating on his damaged leg.

Mr Brightwell died on January 8 and a post- mortem examination showed he suffered cardiac respitory failure brought on by bronchial pneumonia.

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Published Friday, March 22, 2002